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Fatal crash under investigation
By PAT GROSSMITH
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008
A Hopkinton police officer heading home from work on his motorcycle was killed at about 1:30 a.m. when struck by two cars, police said. Sean Powers, 24, of Hillsborough, had served two tours of duty with the Marines in Iraq.
The man alleged to have driven the first car, Jeff Dennis, 22, of Henniker, was arrested after a lengthy search. He was arraigned on charges including negligent homicide and aggravated DWI.
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YOUR COMMENTS
Thank you all for your kind words on behalf of our family. For some please leave your negative comments for another page! (- John T., Freedom NH) Thanks...
- Sgt Scott Powers, Hillsboro, NH/ Jacksonville, NC
A good marine a hell of a friend we had good times in iraq and i bet you was a good police man brother your in a better place now i pray for you and i pray for your family brothe i love you your puerto rican boy
- Cpl.Rosado,Elvin, Jacksoville,NC
Sean,
Thank you for your service to this country of ours. Apparently there has been other plans for you to do even greater things above us all. My prayers are with you, your family, friends, and the community as this is such a great loss for everyone.
May the guilty party remember his deed for the rest of his life and some how figure out what he can do to turn this into an educational opportunity for our younger alcoholics out there, so the same mistakes are not repeated over and over again.
- Jeff Grenga former Hillsboro resident, Crossville Tn
To the family of Officer Powers: may you find peace knowing that your loved one now walks with his brothers in blue, those officers lost before him. Be comforted and know that Sean is not alone. My thoughts of sympathy are with you all.
- Sharon DavisMcKay, Fiancee of Cpl. Bruce McKay, EO, Concord, New Hampshire
Everyone is saddened by such a tragedy - a tragedy that took the lives of two young men in one flash of a moment. Each young man has touched the lives of friends, families, and their communities in their own special ways. My heartfelt sympathy goes to both families as they try and handle what life has brought them. My thoughts and my prayers are with you.
- Deb Walsh, Concord NH
I to have seen how careless drivers are on 202/9 and have lost friends on this road. I agree that something should be done. Perhaps better patroling would help since I rarely see any officers on that stretch at any hour.
My deepest sympothy goes out to the Powers family. Rest in peace Sean.
- Serenity, Hillsboro
What a tremendous loss for 2 beautilful families. The Powers are the most tremendous family, always kind, giving and serving. It is a sad day for all families involved. I feel sorrow for the Dennis family of Henniker, another great family. When will we wake up and Legislate true Help in our Laws? Alcohol and drugs if involved require not just tougher laws, they require help!! This help must be mandatory!! N.H. Legislaters Don't let Sean's death be in vain!!!!!
- Gary Snair, Hillsboro
Sad that in these times a soldier can do two tours of duty in a war zone, come home and be killed in his own country by a DRUNK DRIVER. When are we as a nation going to learn, if your old enough to pick up a drink, your old enough to NOT pick up the keys to a vehicle? "I'll tell you when, When these slick lawyers stop manufacturing loop holes to get the guilty party acquitted."
- Gordon, Peabody Mass.
I wish I could write comforting words as others here have, but stories like this make me so angry.
The men and women of our armed forces sacrifice so much for us. As do the men and women of our law enforcement. This man had done both. It makes me so upset to hear this, that so much disrespect was bestowed on this man and his family by another.
Instead I pray that the man who killed this officer be forgiven, because I am certainly not good enough to do so.
- Josh Garner, Jacksonville, FL
Peter, Elissa and all the other Powers my prayers are with you and the rest of the family. If you need anything cuz we are here for you. Love your new sons and remember this day as being one of sadness but also one of great joy when one life leaves this world and two enter. Love you guys!
- Ashley, Merrimack
A truly sad event. If only a cab had been called, or a friend's couch slept on. Alcohol and cars don't mix.
My heart goes out to the family of Officer Powers. I remember the pain I felt upon learning my father, Officer Mel Keddy, was killed by a drunk driver, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
I also feel bad for the driver of the second car. I am sure this is a nightmare for him or her.
- Shyre (Keddy) Lancia, Salem
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
- Lebanon Police Department, Lebanon
John T., Freedom, NH
You say - "This is not meant as disrespect to Officer Powers or his family. Only asking what I feel is a legitimate question." Well, it IS disrespectful and it is NOT a legitimate question. What is the matter with you?? Look at the name of the city you live in and then thank the young man for making that name possible. Geez.
God bless this young man's family and thank God for police officers. They deserve all the special treatment some uninformed citizens that they protect may perceive as "special," but I deem it as simply deserved. Unbelievable John T..., simply unbelievable - and indicitive of our society and why there are many of the problems we face today in this society. Sad, man..., really sad.
- Carol, Seminole,Fl
God favors those who least deserve his mercy, even in the most tragic of times when we don't feel like granting grace to anyone. I pray for all family and friends who are impacted by this tragic event.
- Sherry, Goffstown
Semper Fidelis Devil Dog and Godspeed!
From the halls of Montezuma,
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From the dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And have never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
- GySgt R. Taylor, US Marine Corps, ew Hampshire
It is a very sad day for the Powers family
My thoughts and prayers for the family go out to them.
1SG Michael Brodeur
- Michael Brodeur, Langdon N.H.
When my father retired from the Air Force, my family settled in the small town of Hillsboro that he had worked as a lumberman in when he was a young man. I graduated from that small town, many years back, and although I am now in Virginia...I still read the news each day.
Today, it was sad to learn the news of this terrible tragedy. Not only did the town of Hillsboro lose one of her citizens...but the Henniker police lost a fine member of their department...and this nation lost one of her former soldiers.
May the Powers family feel the love and comfort of all who have heard or read the news of their sons death. My heart goes out to them.
- Mary, Virginia
My prayers go out to the Powers family. I lost my brother, an Officer almost two years ago and was very sad to hear of their tragic loss. Officer Powers will always be a hero and never forgotten.
- Tracie, Chichester NH
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Powers family and to our brothers and sisters at the Hopkinton Police Department. Anything you may need and we are here.
- Plaistow, NH Police, Plaistow
God Bless. Our prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for your dedicated service to our country. Our deepest sympathies to Officer Powers' family, and his fellow brother and sisters at the Hopkinton Police Dept.
- M.J. Abel, Wilton PD, NH
I am very sorry for another lost life. But please let us remember that we are not guilty until proven guilty. We must remember that this action affects many people, so please do not say he is guilty until proven and we have the facts. Do we know if fog is involved, do we know if Jeff hit his head, do we have any real answers?????????
- John, Henniker
My sympathy goes out to the family and friends of this fine young man.
- G. Paul, Concord
My sympathy goes out to Officer Powers, family and friends. I didn't know Powers personally but my father worked with him and always had nothing but the best to say about him. The state has lost a great member. RIP. My sympathy also goes out to the Dennis family. Jeff is a sweet, kind and caring young man who has made some foolish decisons along the way. There is no doubt in my mind that what he did was wrong, but I hope some day he can be forgiven. I hope that this will open his eyes.
- KD, Henniker
RIP Brother.
My thoughts to the family.
- Ian, Wakefield
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Powers family and all those affected by this tragedy.
Do not blame the road, blame the drunk that hit him, and for him place some blame on our legal system.
In 2004 my older brother was killed by a drunk driver a few miles away from this scene on 114 in henniker. The driver was free on bail until 2006 with Mark Sisti at his side when he plead guilty, after killing one person and causing permanent injuries to another this driver was sentenced to 7-15 yrs. and will be eligable for paole after five years(2011). We need to send a message, if somone is under the influence and kills somone, do away with the negligent part and start charging them just as we would a murderer, giving life sentences. Maybe then we will see less of this.
- Andy Guptill, Andover NH
My thoughts and prayers are with this young man and his family. I also pray for the young man who has destroyed two lives with poor judgement. There is no doubt he will live with this the rest of his life. My prayers are also with both families. God will Bless all involved.
- Bob, Concord
I know that it not a fair comparison, but I felt the same way today that I did when another bright star from Hillsborough was shot and killed "in the line of duty" several years ago in Epsom.
Rest in peace my friend and thank you for being there for the rest of us.
- Frank, Hillsboro
Drivers do not seem to have any regard for posted speed limits, reduced speed limits in construction work zones, or for DUI laws. In my view, penalties are still too soft. Mandatory jail time is needed for many of these offenses. High fines aren't enough to get the corrective action needed. Sure, many of our roads need upgrading, but it's not the condition of our roads that is causing most of these situations. It is driver recklessness, pure and simple.
- Doug, Concord
John Freedom, that is just a stupid question. If it had been any other citizen that was run down and killed, yes they would dispatch a helisopter or what ever forces they needed to hunt the man who ran from the scene. Be real, you think that was just because he was a cop? I can count many many times where there was homicide and the PD has used full force to find the person(s) responsible. and I also agree this probably isnt the time or place to discuss so have osme sympathy for his family and friends. Sean, may the God of your choice watch over you and your family in this tragic time. I pray for you all...
- Rick, Lee nh
You now patrol the streets of Heaven with other fellow Brothers in arms like Mike Briggs and Jeremy Charron. This world's loss is another's gain.
Semper fidelis.
- Jim Gaudet, Lt. (Ret.), Manchester
RIP Sean, we love & miss you so much.
My thoughts go out to the Powers Family.
Watch over us now.xo
- Jessica Ethier, Nashua
John, Freedom,
I respect your view, but i don't think it is the time or place.
Let people greave and sympathize for his family and friends
- James, Derry
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Powers and also to his family of brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community.
- Tarra, New Hampton
Kathryn from Hillsboro I know what you mean. Everytime I drive on that dangerous stretch of highway I always see impatient drivers who feel the need to pass 5 cars at once. It's such a dangerous road and some people just don't realize it.
My thoughts are with the Power's family right now and local police officers everywhere who knew him or knew of him that are dealing with his loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Officer Powers but from what I hear he was an outstanding Police Officer.
- Chris, Weare
Such a tragic and revolting loss. One of our brightest stars. Served his country and his community. Our thouhts and prayers are with Officer Powers, his family, his department and community.
Lt. Dennis Bonaiuto Peabody Mass. PD
- Lt. Dennis Bonaiuto, Peabody Mass. Police Department
I was laying in bed this morning when they announced they had a serious news story out of Henniker, although not quite awake yet, I had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach-right away I knew someone I was knew was involved. I went to school with Jeff Dennis; any I will agree with others that Jeff is a good kid, who has made some very bad decisions in life. My prayers go out to the Powers family, and I pray that this has opened Jeffreys eyes.
- S.P., Henniker
My thougths and prayers to Officer Powers Family. It really is a tragic accident. And I really don't understand why things like this happen but I also want to say that Jeff made a poor decision and don't understand why he did what he did but he is a very kind caring person that was probably scared and just made an AWFUL MISTAKE
- Jill, Manchester
I remember Sean always had a smile on his face that was so warm. He was was such a kind and friendly person.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Powers family and all of his friends. I am so sorry for your loss.
- J Gundy, Ada, OK
Once again the Town of Hillsborough has lost one of its brightest stars, a true servant to our country, state and our communities.
My prayers are with the Powers family and I speak on behave of the Town of Hillsborough to say that we will face this tragedy together. Take comfort knowing that Shawn made a difference and his work as protector will continue on....
- Joseph Collins, Hillsborough NH
My thought and prayers are with the family. It's so sad to see another brother go. Semper Fi Marine!
- miguel, nottingham
I met Sean just two weeks ago. We had a wonderful discussion about cycling, a passion that we found we had in common.
He was so excited about finishing up his training period and serving to protect those of us in Contoocook/Hopkinton.
He is a true hero and a great American. Some one that all of us could look up to!
Sean may the God of your choosing bless you and look after you for eternity!
- Dr. Bruce Trivellini, Contoocook, NH
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Sean. I also agree with the earlier postings about Rt. 202. For the first time just recently I traveled on Rt 202 to Henniker and my Fiance told me as we were driving on it that it was a Killer highway and that more people died on that stretch of highway than anywhere else in NH and here its 3 weeks later and this has happened. Something should be done about this. The people who work for the state that we pay to address these issues should do something about this ASAP!!!
- Joanne, Manchester
Very sad, sympathies to his family.
Much respect for those who have served.
One point of concern: I notice a trend where civil servants seem much more active in solving the case when one of their own is a victim. I have noticed many recent tragedies with civilians, where the authorities don't seem to put their full efforts forward to catch the offenders.
If he was not an Officer, would this be the top headline? Also, would they have dispatched a copter to catch the scum who did this?
This is not meant as disrespect to Officer Powers or his family. Only asking what I feel is a legitimate question.
- John T., Freedom NH
Thoughts and Prayers to Officer Powers'family from deep in the heart of Texas.
- Pam Roberts, The Woodlands, Texas
To the Powers Family:
~May you find comfort not only in all your memories of Sean, but also in the sentiments sent by so many that Sean has touched and befriended in his time on earth.~
With Deepest Sympathy at this time of sorrow
- M.P., Hillsborough
This is such a tragedy. Such a young man taken so young. We need to do something about this road- As I drove from Hillsboro to Concord this afternoon I was behind 2 idiots who decided they couldnt wait and passed a vehicle with a whole string of cars coming at them- they are lucky they didnt cause ANOTHER accident! The rumble stips help ( even though the people of Henniker hate them) but they unfortunately dont help enough. I hope a solution can be implemented before anotehr person dies on Death Alley.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powers Family.
- Kathryn, Hillsboro
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sean.
- Jessica, West Brookfield, MA
My prayers go out the the family of Officer Sean Powers. How proud his parents must be of his accomplishments in his short life! Right now, their hearts must be broken - to have your child(regardless of age) die so violently. It is not the road to blame, but those who drive it. This I can say from much experience. God be with you all.
- Cindy, Pembroke
That is absolutely terrible. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
May he rest in peace.
- Jeanne, Manchester
My thoughts and prayers go out to the faimly of Officer Powers. Thank you for your service Officer Powers.
- EDavis, Hillsbor
Very sad! my thoughts are with the family, friends, and community!
- James, Derry
I just wanted to make a quick comment about this tragedy. I am so sorry for the family of Officer Powers. He was too young to have this happen. There is no doubt Jeff's decisions were appalling and right now seem unforgivable by many. I want people to know that he is a good person who made a terrible mistake.
- Jessica, Henniker
First, John A., I think that this detail (about the firefighters being at the station when the call came in) was inportant since the Henniker Dept is a volunteer one. So, response time - while still good - can take a number of minutes in some cases. It sounds like the personnal were ready to roll in no time for this accident, which meant that medical care was admistered more quickly than it might be normally.
Sad day for Hillsboro and Henniker too. All prayers and toughts to the families involved, and to the personnel who responded.
- Dave R, Hillsboro
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powers family. May you find comfort in the loving memories you have of Sean.
- LaTrisha Vinci, Charlotte, North Carolina
Thought and prayers to the Powers family, so sorry for your senseless loss.
- Marcia, Hillsboro
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Powers. May you rest in peace Officer Powers.
It's more often the cars than the bikes in situations like this.
Please everyone who rides, keep your alerts up to those around you. We do when we ride, it's sad but true, some people just don't respect bikes on the road.
As for the man who hit him, why isn't his name being released? I hope and pray this was an accident and not the result of alcohol or drugs.
- Erika, Ascutney, VT
First off I want to send out my sympathy for the family of this young officer. This is so tragic and makes you think twice about trusting other drivers on the road. Secondly I would like to say I went to school with Jeff Dennis and I am absolutely appauled with his decision to run from the scene. How can you honestly take someone's life and have the nerve to flee the scene thinking you will get away with it, while your car is still at the accident scene? It makes me sick to my stomach to think someone I was once friends with would do such a thing. It brings me to tears thinking of this poor Officer and his family. RIP Officer Powers! You are a hero and will never be forgotten!
- Sarah, Manchester, NH
Stop blaming the road! Blame the guy that hit him. Tell me how the state could do anything that would prevent this?
- Mike, Bow
Sincerest sympathies to Officer Power's family and firends. He sounds like he was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace
- Karen, Harrisville
Absolutely tragic he was just starting his life at 24. This is a very dangerous stretch of road that the Department of Transportation must take action now before another senseless tragedy should happen to another family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the officers family during there time of loss. He was a good man serving the community and he served our country may he rest in peace.
- Melissa, Manchester, NH
This is so tragic. My heart goes out to the family of Office Powers.
- Jeff, Hooksett
My sympathy goes out to all of his Brothers and Sisters of the Police service as well as all of his Friends and Family. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your service Officer Powers.
- Ashley, Auburn
My thoughts and prayers are with the Powers family today. Sean was a wonderful young man and destined to be a superb Police Officer. The Town of Hopkinton, the Hopkinton Police Department and the State of New Hampshire have lost a fine young man in what will be another senseless crash.
This is a pure heart breaker and again I ask why?
- Ira J. Migdal Chief of Police-Retired, Hopkinton, NH Police Department
There wasn't a dry eye in the entire town of Hillsboro, NH this morning as news of this horrible accident spread. Love & Prayers to this wonderful Powers family, may your faith help see you through.
- Lisa, Hillsboro
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of our brother, Sean Powers. And to our brothers and sisters of the Hopkinton Police Department, we stand with you during this time of tragic loss.
The Men and Women of the Winchester, NH Police Department
- Winchester Police Department, Wincheste
How many more people have to die on this highway(202/9) before the state seriously thinks about doing something that will work? Widening the road and putting rumble strips has not stopped the accidents and deaths. It is time for barriers to go right down the center. In this case though, they wouldn't of even helped due to the fact the BMW rear ended this poor young man.
My thoughts and prays go out to his family and friends.
- E.V., Hillsboro
Sean, I remember you sitting my house last summer, telling me you wanted to wait to be a Police Officer. You just got out of the Marine Corp, and wanted to enjoy civilization.
It was last February that you called me and said you knew the time had come. In the short months that you worked for Hopkinton P.D, you told me, that you loved being a Police Officer.
Sean you will be missed by many. You will always be remembered. I remember those days working in Hillsboro you would come in and visit me and Devin. The laughs we would share. Rest in Peace my friend. Once a Marine, Always a Marine .... Once a Cop, Always a Cop.
Live to Ride, Ride to Live
- M. McKenney, Henniker NH
Many thoughts and prayers to Office Powers family and friends. This is a tragic accident for such a young man. May he rest in peace.
- Valerie, Salem, NH
I'm sure I speak for all residents of Hopkinton when I express my shock and grief for the loss of Officer Powers. A friendly, young cop, Powers served our town well.
Our thoughts go out to Power's family and his colleagues on the Hopkinton Police Department.
- Kevin Flynn, Hopkinton
My deepest sympathies to Officer Powers' family.
- Sara, Manchester
Sean was a great guy, and was a very close friend of my son Rob. They were friends since Kindergarten. Sean's family and friends are devastated by this news. My prayers are with Sean and his family and friends. This is a great loss.
- Paul, Kingston
Fine reporting here: "Gilbert said five firefighters were in the station this morning about 1 o'clock, having just returned from a call, when the accident was reported." And...??? Why is this important? Did the accident happen by the firehouse?
- John A., Manchester, NH
My thoughts and prayers go out to the faimly of Officer Powers.
- Catrina, Manchester
My sympathy goes to the man killed in this tragic accident. May he rest in peace.
- Jen, Weare
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