New Hampshire State Police Provides Update On Investigation Of Wrong-Way Driver Later Involved In Massachusetts Fatal Crash

HAMPTON, N.H. – The New Hampshire State Police is continuing to investigate a wrong-way driver Troopers encountered on Interstate 95 in New Hampshire and who was later involved in a fatal crash in Massachusetts.

Just before midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, State Troopers assigned to the Troop A barracks observed a Tesla traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-95 in Hampton. Troopers immediately engaged in emergency efforts to stop the wrong-way driver and coordinated with the Massachusetts State Police, who encountered the suspect as he continued into Massachusetts. The wrong-way driver was later involved in a collision that resulted in the death of Jeremy Cole, 49, of Exeter, New Hampshire. Troopers later learned Cole was employed as a sergeant with the Public Safety & Police Department at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts and was traveling home at the conclusion of his work shift. 

The driver of the Tesla, identified as Keoma Duarte, 40, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, was also injured as a result of the crash. He was transported to a Boston area hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

The preliminary investigation in New Hampshire has determined Duarte was initially traveling northbound on I-95 in Hampton before entering the parking lot of the northbound NH Liquor & Wine Outlet, which was closed at the time. Surveillance footage shows Duarte driving through the lot before departing from the entrance at approximately 11:45 p.m. He was first observed by a New Hampshire State Trooper on patrol in the area less than one minute after entering the road in the wrong direction.

Criminal charges in New Hampshire are forthcoming pending the ongoing investigation. Inquiries regarding the investigation in Massachusetts should be directed to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.