The Massachusetts State Police are asking for the public’s help in the investigation of the fatal accident on Interstate 495 in Haverhill on Saturday, March 31.
As previously reported by WHAV, the accident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. when the 19-year-old driver from Methuen lost control of the 2004 Lincoln LS Sedan she was driving between exits 50 and 51 on the northbound side of the highway.
Both women were trapped in the vehicle. An off-duty Methuen firefighter was able to remove the driver and begin emergency medical treatment. Two off-duty state police officers also provided aid at the scene. The passenger was taken from the car by members of the Haverhill Fire Department.
The passenger, 18-year-old Alexis Spartz, died as a result of the crash. and the driver was brought from Lawrence General Hospital to Tufts Medical Center Boston with serious injuries.
A Methuen resident, Spartz is the daughter of Lt. Caitlyn LaFrancis, of the Hampstead Fire Department. She was originally reported by state police to have been the driver, but later identified as the passenger.
Calling hours for Spartz are being held today, April 6, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Carrier Family Funeral Home, in Windham, N.H.
State Police Trooper Matthew Routhier is asking for anyone who witnessed the crash, stopped to assist, or was traveling on Route 495 in Haverhill at that time to contact State Police Newbury Barracks at 978-462-7478.