NHSP Hunt for Sedan Involved in Crash that Killed Motorcyclist

CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire State Police is asking for the public’s help in a finding a vehicle allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident with a motorcycle on June 30, 2016, where the rider later died, according to a press statement.

Jonathan Kauffman, 21, of Bridgton, ME, succumbed to serious injuries yesterday after a crash at the intersection of Route 25 and Route 153 in Effingham on June 30, 2016.

According to state police, troopers from Troop E were sent to the crash of a 2014 Harley-Davidson. They found the motorcycle on the ground in the middle of the westbound lane. The rider – Kauffman – “sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine by DHART helicopter,” according to Sgt. Steven Wheeler of the NHSP.

It does not appear as though he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, he noted.

Another vehicle that was allegedly involved in the crash reportedly fled the scene. The vehicle – a white four-door sedan with New York (orange with black letters) license plates – was being driven by a black woman with a medium build, glasses, and a ponytail.

“Based upon the initial on-scene investigation, it appears that the white 4 door sedan stopped suddenly in the middle of the westbound lane as the motorcycle was traveling westbound,” Wheeler stated. “The motorcycle was not able to stop in time, lost control and struck the back of the vehicle.”

Route 25 was closed for nearly four hours during the investigation.

“At this time, it appears that there may have been an altercation between the two vehicles prior to the crash, however all aspects remain under investigation,” Wheeler added.

During the early morning hours of July 1, Kauffman succumbed to his injuries at Maine Medical Center in Portland and state police issued a second alert asking for anyone who knows the woman driving the white sedan or any witnesses to come forward with information.

Contact Trooper Gary Wood Jr. at 603-223-8838 or Trooper Greg Dube by email at greg.dube@dos.nh.gov.