NH man charged in hit-and-run crash that killed a new bride

ROLLINSFORD, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A newlywed is at Mass. General trying to recover from his injuries while mourning the death of his wife after an accused drunk driver crashed into their car Saturday in New Hampshire.

Minnesota natives Leah Fonda and Brian Preiss had been married for less than two weeks and were on their honeymoon road trip when they were hit along Route 4 in Rollinsford, N.H. Leah died as a result of her injuries.

"On Friday we were with them, dancing with them. We were toasting them," said Brian's uncle, Ken. "And then the following Saturday they're gone. Brian is in the hospital and Leah has passed away."

Leah and Brian met at an amusement park at the Mall of America where they worked for years. The couple couldn't wait to get married.

"The love that you saw in their eyes, that was true love," said Ken.

New Hampshire State Police allege Matthew Tsopas of Somersworth was drunk when he hit the car the couple was riding in nearly head-on. Tsopas took off from the scene, but Dover police found him hiding in a ditch a short time later.

Investigators say Tsopas had hit four cars in the parking lot of a nearby American Legion where he had been drinking prior to the crash. He is facing charges that include negligent homicide and felony DUI. Tsopas remained in the hospital Monday night, but he will be taken to Strafford County Jail and held on $250,000 cash bond once he is released.

Cox Media Group