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Woman comes forward as VSP investigates Weathersfield fatal crash

Submitted by tim on

***Update, 12:35 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019***

Vermont State Police As the Vermont State Police continued the investigation into this fatal crash, Patricia Whitcomb, 65, of Charlestown, New Hampshire, came to the Westminster Barracks on Monday and reported that she believed she may have been the motorist who had struck the victim in the roadway.
 
Further investigation by the Vermont State Police confirmed that Whitcomb's car, a gray 2004 Honda Civic with New Hampshire registration, was the vehicle involved in the incident.
 
The matter remains under investigation, and troopers are consulting with the Windsor County State's Attorney's Office regarding any possible charges that may arise from the incident. 
 
The state police continues to ask that anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any information potentially relevant to the investigation contact the Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600.
 
No further information is available at this time.

***Initial news release, 7:20 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019***

On 09/15/19, at approximately 0050 hours, Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash on I-91 south, near mile marker 53 in Weathersfield, VT.  Investigation on scene indicated that a 1998 Jeep Wrangler was traveling south on I-91 near mile marker 53 in Weathersfield.  The Jeep began to drift off the left hand side of the interstate for an unknown reason.  The vehicle traveled several hundred feet in the grassy median before abruptly turning right, coming back onto the road surface.  The vehicle then crossed both southbound lanes, striking the guardrails on the shoulder, spinning and coming to a position of uncontrolled rest in the left hand travel lane.

The first known individuals on scene observed the vehicle stopped, with an individual laying in the middle of I-91, approximately 20 feet from it. It is believed that the operator was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.  Before being able to render aid, an unknown grey in color, four door sedan with Vermont registration, drove through the crash scene and struck the individual laying in the roadway. The vehicle then continued south on I-91 and did not stop. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Members of the Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.  Debris from the unknown vehicle were collected, indicating damage to front bumper and plastic under the car. Any individuals who may have witnessed the crash, have information about the crash, or information in regards to the other vehicle involved are asked to contact the Westminster State Police Barracks and speak with the on duty Sergeant.  You are also able to submit tips and information anonymously by texting VTIPS to 274637. 

VSP was assisted by Ascutney & Hartford Fire Depts, as well as various police agencies, to include Windsor PD, Bellows Falls PD, Ludlow PD, Springfield PD and Brattleboro PD.

CASE#: 19B105387                                                           

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Tyler Noyes / Sgt. Ryan Wood

STATION: Westminster                 

CONTACT#: 802-722-4600

 

DATE/TIME: 09/15/19 0050 hours

STREET: I-91 South

TOWN: Weathersfield

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS:

INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: 53

WEATHER: Clear, light mist         

ROAD CONDITIONS: clear

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Patricia Whitcomb

AGE: 65      

SEAT BELT? Unknown

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Charlestown, NH 

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2004

VEHICLE MAKE: Honda

VEHICLE MODEL: Civic

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front end & undercarriage

INJURIES: None

HOSPITAL: n/a

 

VEHICLE #2

OPERATOR: Keanan Thompson

AGE:  22   

SEAT BELT? N

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Stockbridge, VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 1998

VEHICLE MAKE: Jeep

VEHICLE MODEL: Wrangler

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Front and rear damage

INJURIES: Deceased

HOSPITAL: N/A