NEWS One dead in evening accident | News

After further examination, Claremont police said the driver of the Toyota Tacoma was experiencing a medical emergency and he was immediately taken to Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont. Despite the efforts of Valley Regional first responders and paramedics, the driver of the Toyota Tacoma died at the hospital. A passenger in the Toyota Tacoma and the driver of the Range Rover suffered minor injuries.

Witnesses claimed to have seen a gray truck driving down Washington Street at the same time, but without using its headlights. Traffic was almost completely stopped for about two miles in downtown Claremont as a result of the accident.

According to Claremont Police Chief Brent Wilmott, as of Dec. 14, an autopsy was underway to determine not only the driver’s cause of death, but also the underlying cause of the accident. Detectives are also working to determine whether speed, obstruction and/or distraction were also to blame. Claremont police are refusing to release the names of all parties involved until they are certain that the families of each party have been contacted.

The Claremont Police Department was assisted by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Richard Bell at (603) 542-7010.