Driver dies following pursuit, crash in Canterbury

CANTERBURY, NH — A Massachusetts driver died following a pursuit and crash on Interstate 93 early Sunday.

At 12:51 a.m., a trooper from the Troop D barracks attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on I-93 northbound near Exit 12.

The driver failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued.

The vehicle, a blue 2020 Honda Civic, was seen traveling erratically and speeding up to 120 mph.

As the Honda approached Exit 18, the driver attempted to take the off-ramp but lost control.

The vehicle went off the road, crossed the northbound on-ramp, went down an embankment and struck a tree.

The driver, Benjamin Tapia Gately, 20, of Saugus, Massachusetts, was ejected from the vehicle.

Troopers and emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tapia Gately was the only occupant of the Honda.

Troopers were assisted by members of the Canterbury Fire & Rescue.

The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Kenneth McGrath at (603) 223-4381 or [email protected].