Driver In Crash That Killed 2 Cyclists Held On $50,000 Bail
HAMPTON, N.H. (CBS) — A 19-year-old New Hampshire woman was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail Wednesday in a weekend car crash that killed two cyclists from Massachusetts.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports
Driver Charged In Fatal Bike Crash
The Seabrook woman is accused of crashing her car into the four bicyclists who were on an organized ride in Hampton.
"Our entire family is completely traumatized," said Magnus Hess, a brother of Darriean. "And we mourn for the people that were lost in this tragedy and we also pray for the ones that are injured."
Hess, who has no license, told a witness she had "taken her eyes off the road for a few seconds" according to court documents.
Hours before the crash, she had been pulled over by police for speeding and cited for not having a license and was picked up by a friend. But then she apparently hit the road again and hit the cyclists, killing Pam Wells and Elise Bouchard, and injuring Uwe Uhmeyer and Margo Heigh.
Uhmeyer released a statement Wednesday urging vigilance on the road.
"I am deeply grieved by the loss of two fellow cyclists Elise Bouchard and Pamela Wells. Elise Bouchard and I worked together and were friends for 9-years. Pamela Wells, I met that morning. All of us were doing what we loved to do. I know they will be sorely missed by their loved ones and friends.
For me, I am just happy to be alive and pleased to be going home to my family to continue my healing process.
Special thanks to the first responders, EMT's, Hampton Police, and the Medical Professionals at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Thank you for the outpouring of support and encouragement. It will not be forgotten.
To all that hear my statement, please know whether you are driving a car, a motorcycle or a bicycle you have a responsibility to maintain control and not jeopardize the safety of others.
For now I ask for privacy as I continue to heal after this tragic accident."
"She didn't have any conscience when she got back in the car," said Gordon Wiley, a friend of Elise Bouchard.
In arguing for a higher bail, prosecutors said Hess is a risk to the community and a flight risk because she has many family members in Alaska.
"We're not doing well at all," said Cassandra Clifton, a sister of Darriean Hess. "There are five of us, and it's just us here on the east coast, not meaning she's a flight risk by any means, my sister would never do anything like that."
Despite pleas from the defense for a low bail, the judge set it at $50,000.
A witness to the crash, David Kelley, a retired Major from the New Hampshire State Police, told investigators Hess was traveling so fast "I thought I would see cruisers following behind," indicating to officers that it looked like a police chase.
