Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on Route 495 South in Haverhill, Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Gov, Jul 17, 2007

On Friday, June 29, 2007 at approximately 1:09 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Newbury Barracks responded to a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash on Route 495 South just beyond Route 110 in the City of Haverhill.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Matthew Topping indicates 23 year-old John R. Grant of Chelmsford was operating a 2005 Hyundai Tiburon on Route 495 South in Haverhill when his vehicle was struck by an unknown second vehicle, exited the roadway and struck a tree. During the crash, Grant was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased on the scene. A passenger in the vehicle, 19 year-old Aja M. Mocherman of Chelmsford was also ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was transported by ambulance to Holy Family Hospital and later transported by medical helicopter to Brigham and Woman’s Hospital with serious injuries. The second vehicle, believed to be a large white sport utility or pickup truck with a white painted front bumper, fled the scene after the crash. The second vehicle is believed to have suffered minor to moderate front end damage as a result of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Haverhill Fire Department and MassHighways assisted troopers at the scene.

During the crash investigation and vehicle removal, the right and middle travel lanes as well as the breakdown lane of Route 495 South were closed for approximately two hours.