Impairment blamed in crash that claimed lives of Fremont dad, son

Derek P. Cote (Rockingham County Jail photo)

DANVILLE - A driver and a passenger are deceased, and a Danville man charged with negligent homicide following a crash on Route 111A on Wednesday.

The crash occurred around 4:45 p.m. drawing State Troopers and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit to assist the Danville Police Department with a severe crash on Main Street (Route 111A) near Coburn Hill Road.

The preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that a 2023 Dodge Challenger, driven by Derek P. Cote, 41, of Danville, had been traveling north on Main Street near Coburn Hill Road in Danville when, for reasons that remain under investigation, it crossed the double yellow center lines into oncoming traffic. The Dodge collided head-on with a 2016 Nissan Altima that had been traveling south on Main Street, driven by Brian Morris Sr., 65, and occupied by an additional passenger, Brian Morris Jr., 36, both of Fremont. The Dodge then rolled over and onto the northbound shoulder of the road while the Nissan spun and came to rest on the opposite side.

As a result of the impact, Morris Sr. and Morris Jr. were trapped within the Nissan. They were later freed by members of the responding fire departments, but despite extensive life-saving measures, both were pronounced deceased at the scene. Cote was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, Troopers determined that Cote displayed signs of impairment. As such, Cote was charged with two felony counts of negligent homicide and felony aggravated driving under the influence of drugs. Cote was held at the Rockingham County Jail pending his scheduled arraignment in Brentwood District Court on Friday.

All aspects of this crash remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Eric Torrens at Eric.M.Torrens@dos.nh.gov.