NH woman accused of fatally hitting cyclists faces negligent homicide charges

HAMPTON, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) – The 19-year-old woman involved in a fatal crash that killed bicyclists Pamela Wells and Elise Bouchard was charged with two counts of negligent homicide and two counts of second degree assault Tuesday.

Investigators allege Darriean Hess, of Seabrook, N.H. was traveling at a high rate of speed on Ocean Boulevard in Hampton Saturday when she crossed the double line and hit four bicyclists, killing two of them. They also claim "inattention" contributed to the crash.

Hampton police said Hess would be arraigned Wednesday if she could not post bail Tuesday.

Investigators claim Hess was pulled over hours before the fatal accident at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and N Street for speeding. She was issued a summons at about 12:46 a.m. Saturday. Police said Hess was traveling at 59 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Additionally, police discovered Hess was an unlicensed driver and would not let her leave until a friend arrived to drive her car away.

Police said the summons was a "must appear" summons, and Hess is scheduled to appear in court October 23.

Hess is accused of hitting multiple bicyclists participating in the 40th annual Granite State Wheelmen Tri-State Seacoast Century ride. The crash occurred at about 8:30 a.m. – just under eight hours since she had last been pulled over.

Wells and Bouchard were killed in the crash while two others, 60-year-old Uwe Uhmeyer, of Essex, Mass., and 54-year-old Margo Heigh, of Danvers, Mass., were injured.

FOX 25's Heather Hegedus spoke with Margo Heigh following Hess' arrest Tuesday.

"We just want the right thing to be done so we can all try and heal end get on with life and let our good memories of Elise and Pam stay with us," said Heigh.

If found guilty, Hess faces a maximum sentence of 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison and fines up to $4,000 for each charge.

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Services for Elise Bouchard, of Danvers:

Calling hours/wake:
Campbell Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday
525 Cabot St
Beverly, Mass.
978-922-1113

Funeral:
St. John's in Beverly at 10 a.m.

Cox Media Group