A Keene State College freshman whose Jeep collided with a tractor-trailer on Route 101 in Dublin in January was likely “falling asleep or losing consciousness,” Dublin Police Chief Tim Suokko said in a press release Wednesday.
“We are considering the case closed. Given the outcome of the investigation we are not anticipating any charges,” Suokko said in an email Thursday.
The crash occurred on January 22 at about 10:15 a.m. A Jeep Wrangler, driven by Samuel Lachance, 18, of Manchester, crossed the center lane of Route 101, colliding nearly head-on with a tractor-trailer driven by Jean Morency, 66, of Nashua, causing the truck’s fuel tank to explode.
A Toyota Sienna, operated by Marc Cramer, 47, of Peterborough, was following behind the Jeep, and was unable to stop, hitting the Jeep from behind.
Lachance was the only person involved who was seriously injured. He was pulled from his vehicle, which was on fire, by Marc Cramer, his son John Cramer and a crash witness, Bank Promploy of Keene.
Suokko said in the press release that the crash investigation showed “no evidence to suggest that speed, impairment, or distracted driving were factors in this crash and it was more likely than not caused by the operator falling asleep or losing consciousness while driving.”
“Sam has no memory, so we will never know why he lost consciousness,” Lachance’s mother, Jessica Lachance, wrote in a message to the Ledger-Transcript. “We are definitely relieved to close the investigation and move on.”
Jessica Lachance said her son has been released from the hospital and in-patient physical rehabilitation and is currently participating in outpatient speech and physical therapy.
“He hopes to return to school in the fall and to work as soon as his walking boot is removed,” Jessica Lachance wrote.
The Dublin Police Department plans to hold a ceremony honoring the actions of Marc Cramer, John Cramer and Bank Promploy in March.
“As a result of their quick and selfless actions, Samuel is expected to make a full recovery,” Suokko wrote in Wednesday’s press release.
Jessica Lachance said her son plans to be present at the ceremony to thank the men who saved his life in person.