2 dead, one seriously injured in Route 101 rollover crash
Police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
EXETER, NH — On July 18, 2018 at approximately 8:40 p.m., New Hampshire State Police – Troop A was notified of a single motor vehicle crash on Route 101 westbound in the area of Exit 9. They were informed that a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling westbound when it lost control, veered off the road and rolled over for an unknown reason.
The crash involved multiple occupants with life threatening injuries. Upon their arrival, State Police identified three occupants in the vehicle. They were informed that a female passenger was pronounced deceased on scene. She was later identified as Rebecca Lafontaine, 39, of Manchester. A 14-year-old female passenger, identified as Julissa Clem – Rebecca Lafontaine’s daughter – was transported to Exeter Hospital with life-threatening injuries. She succumbed to her injuries a short time later. The operator of the vehicle, identified as Aaron Lafontaine, 28, of Manchester, was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later air-lifted to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Due to the seriousness of the crash they requested that the New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction, (C.A.R.) handle the investigation.
Based upon the initial on-scene investigation, the Volkswagen Jetta lost control while traveling westbound and rolled over multiple times before coming to rest off the right side of the road in the tree line.
The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction, (C.A.R.) Unit was assisted on scene by members of Troop A as well as the Exeter and North Hampton Fire and EMS as well as NH DOT. Due to the collision,
Route 101 westbound was diverted off Exit 9 for approximately 4 hours.
At this time it appears that speed was a factor in this crash, however all aspects remain under investigation.
Anyone that may have further information related to this accident, or who witnessed the accident, are encouraged to contact Trooper First Class Brian Ross by email at brian.ross@dos.nh.gov or at 603-223-8652.
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