LONDONDERRY, NH – Police have charged a Massachusetts man with felony aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol after a fatal crash on I-93 in which his 22-year-old passenger was killed.
On February 1, 2017, at approximately 8:29 p.m., the New Hampshire State Police-Troop B was notified of a crash on I-93 southbound in the area of Exit 4. Troopers, along with fire and rescue personnel, responded to the scene and found an Acura 32TL off the east side of the roadway in the center median.
A man was found outside of the vehicle and was identified as Frankie Rodriguez, 31, of Methuen, Mass. He was transported to Elliot Hospital in Manchester with injuries. He was eventually arrested at the hospital and charged with felony aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol. Rodriguez’s passenger, a 22-year-old woman, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based upon initial investigation, it appears that the Acura was traveling southbound on Interstate 93 when it lost control, entered the center median, and rolled over several times.
The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction, (C.A.R.) Unit was assisted on scene by members of the New Hampshire State Police-Troop B, the Londonderry Fire and Rescue Department, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, as well as The Office of the State Medical Examiner. Due to the collision, the southbound lanes in this area was closed for approximately three hours.
At this time it appears that speed and alcohol may have been factors in this crash, however all aspects remain under investigation, including the identity of the passenger. Anyone that may have further information related to this collision, or who witnessed this collision are encouraged to contact Trooper First Class Michael Pelletier at 603-223-8699 or by email at michael.pelletier@dos.nh.gov.
