A devastating accident unfolded on Interstate 95 in Greenland, New Hampshire, on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving a third person with serious injuries. Authorities have confirmed that 24-year-old Steve Le of Methuen, Massachusetts, and 58-year-old Leslie Lynn of Roanoke, Virginia, both died at the scene of the two-vehicle collision. The tragedy has left their families in mourning and sparked an extensive investigation by the New Hampshire State Police and the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit.
The New Hampshire State Police were alerted to the crash just before 1:15 p.m. Reports indicated a serious collision involving two vehicles on I-95 near mile marker 9.2, a stretch of highway that sees significant traffic flow, particularly during midweek travel. Troopers arrived swiftly at the scene to find a catastrophic wreck involving a 2023 Toyota Camry driven by Steve Le and a 2019 Ford Econoline driven by Leslie Lynn. The accident site presented a chaotic aftermath: debris scattered across both the northbound and southbound lanes, two totaled vehicles, and the highway lined with emergency responders.
The initial investigation suggests that Steve Le was traveling northbound on I-95 when he lost control of his Toyota Camry, leading to the fatal collision. While the exact cause of his loss of control remains unclear, investigators are looking into several potential factors, including road conditions, driver error, or vehicle malfunction. What is known is that as Le’s Camry veered out of control, it crossed the median strip separating the highway lanes and crashed head-on into Leslie Lynn’s Ford Econoline, which was traveling southbound. The force of the collision was so severe that Lynn’s vehicle was pushed back across the median and into the northbound lanes, eventually coming to rest near the tree line.
Both drivers, Steve Le and Leslie Lynn, were pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics. The impact of the crash left both vehicles severely damaged, making it immediately clear to authorities that the accident had been fatal. A third individual, a passenger in Lynn’s Econoline, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. This individual, whose identity has not yet been released, was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities have not provided an update on their condition, but they are expected to recover following medical intervention.
As news of the accident spread, both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 were shut down, causing significant traffic delays. By 4:30 p.m., state police had closed off both directions of the highway, with traffic diverted off at Exit 3. The decision to close the highway for several hours was made to ensure the safety of investigators and to allow for a thorough examination of the scene. The crash left debris and vehicle parts strewn across the highway, and cleanup efforts continued late into the afternoon. Drivers were urged to avoid the area, and many commuters faced long delays as they were rerouted through alternate roads.
The New Hampshire State Police Troop A team was joined by the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit, a specialized group that investigates serious and fatal crashes. Their work includes a detailed analysis of the crash scene, which involves mapping out the trajectory of the vehicles, studying the wreckage, and reviewing any evidence that may provide insight into the cause of the crash. Investigators also collaborated with the Portsmouth Police Department, the Greenland Fire and Police Departments, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to manage the aftermath of the collision and clear the wreckage from the highway.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, officials have already begun piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that Le’s loss of control was the catalyst for the fatal collision, but investigators are not ruling out any possibilities at this stage. Factors such as weather conditions, mechanical failure, or even potential distractions are all being carefully reviewed. Authorities are also looking into Le’s driving history and recent behavior, as well as examining Lynn’s Ford Econoline for any signs of malfunction that may have contributed to the crash.
In the meantime, the families of both victims are left grappling with an unimaginable loss. Steve Le, just 24 years old, was a resident of Methuen, Massachusetts, and had his whole life ahead of him. Friends and family describe him as a kind-hearted and hardworking young man who was deeply committed to his family and friends. Leslie Lynn, 58, hailed from Roanoke, Virginia, and was remembered as a dedicated community member and a loving family man. His passing leaves behind a grieving family who had no warning that this tragic event would take him from them so suddenly.
As the investigation continues, authorities are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information regarding the events leading up to it to come forward. Eyewitness accounts could prove crucial in understanding what happened and determining whether there were any external factors at play. Additionally, any drivers with dashcam footage from that stretch of I-95 around the time of the accident are urged to share their recordings with investigators, as video evidence could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The I-95 crash is a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise on the road. Despite the safety measures in place, fatal accidents continue to occur with devastating consequences. In response to this incident, local authorities are once again emphasizing the importance of cautious driving, particularly on highways where speeds are higher and the margin for error is slim. Whether it’s due to adverse weather conditions, momentary distractions, or vehicle issues, the risks on the road can lead to catastrophic outcomes, as seen in this tragic event.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives cut short on I-95, attention now turns to ensuring that justice is served and that the causes behind this crash are fully understood. The findings of the ongoing investigation will be crucial in determining whether any legal action will follow, especially if it is discovered that negligence or other preventable factors were involved. For now, however, the focus remains on supporting the families of Steve Le and Leslie Lynn as they navigate the difficult path of grieving their loved ones.
The crash has sparked discussions around road safety in New Hampshire, with some advocating for increased patrols or additional safety barriers along high-traffic stretches of highway. I-95, one of the busiest highways in the region, has seen its share of accidents over the years, and this most recent tragedy has renewed calls for preventative measures. Whether these discussions will lead to tangible changes remains to be seen, but the conversation has begun as residents seek to prevent future tragedies on the road.
As the investigation progresses, the community is reminded of the fragility of life and the sudden, often senseless, nature of fatal accidents. The loss of Steve Le and Leslie Lynn on that Wednesday afternoon is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of traffic collisions, and their families are left to carry the weight of grief in the aftermath of this devastating event.
In the days and weeks to come, both families will likely release obituaries and funeral arrangements for Steve Le and Leslie Lynn, as they gather with loved ones to remember the lives of those lost far too soon.
