State Police Investigate Fatal Roll-Over Crash on Route 93 South in Andover

On Friday, July 10, 2009, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Andover responded to a single-vehicle roll-over crash on Route 93 South, north of Exit 45 (River Road) that resulted in one fatality and one minor injury.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Daniel Doiron indicates that a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire coupe operated by 21-year-old Stephanie Ortiz of Lawrence was travelling in the right travel lane of Route 93 South when she lost control, exited the road to the right and rolled over. 23-year-old Mark R. Ecker II of East Longmeadow was an unrestrained passenger who was ejected from the Pontiac during the crash. Ecker was taken by ambulance with serious injuries to Lawrence General Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. Ortiz was also taken by ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital with minor injuries.

This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Essex County District Attorney's Office. The Andover Fire Department and MassHighways assisted Troopers at the scene.

Due to the crash investigation and vehicle removal, the right travel lane and breakdown lane of Route 95 South was closed for approximately one hour. The breakdown lane remained closed for three hours.

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