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Allegedly impaired driver crossed centerline, killing father and son in N.H., police say
Derek P. Cote, 41, of Danville, was charged with two counts of negligent homicide.
A driver, allegedly under the influence of drugs, crossed a double yellow centerline in Danville, New Hampshire, on New Year’s Eve and collided head on with another vehicle, killing a father and son, according to New Hampshire State Police.
Derek P. Cote, 41, of Danville, who was driving a 2023 Dodge Challenger, was charged with two counts each of negligent homicide and aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, police said Friday.
State Police responded to the crash shortly before 5 p.m. last Wednesday on Main Street (Route 111A) near Coburn Hill Road. Troopers determined that Cote, traveling north, crossed the centerline, “for reasons that remain under investigation,” and struck a 2016 Nissan Altima being driven by Brian Morris Sr., 65, of Fremont.
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“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,” police said.
Morris Sr. and his son — Brian Morris Jr., 36, also of Fremont — became trapped in their vehicle. They were later freed by firefighters but pronounced dead at the scene.
Cote was taken to a hospital for injuries that weren’t considered life-threatening, according to police.
“During the investigation, Troopers determined that Cote displayed signs of impairment,” police said.
The crash, which closed the stretch of road for five hours, remains under investigation.
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