State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 20 East in Charlton

Today at approximately 7:59 a.m., troopers assigned to the Sturbridge Barracks responded to a serious one vehicle crash on Route 20 East in Charlton that resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Luis DeJesus indicates that a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV operated by 22 year-old Julia M. Lavallee of Southbridge was traveling on Route 20 East at Sampson Road in Charlton when she lost control and went off the right side of the roadway, striking a tree. Lavallee Jeep sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Jeep, 48 year-old John H. Lindsay of Hollandwas taken by medical helicopter with serious injuries to UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Another passenger in the Jeep, 19 year-old Jennifer Witz of North Brookfield was taken by ambulance with serious injuries to UMass Medical Center in Worcester.

Speed was a factor, however this crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. Charlton Police Department, Charlton Fire Department, Sturbridge Fire Department and MassHigways assisted troopers at the scene.

During the crash investigation and vehicle removal the right travel lane of Route 20 East was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours .

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.

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