MERRIMACK, NH — The Merrimack community is mourning the loss of a local teenager after a crash on the Everett Turnpike last night. Owen Halverson, 18, was killed after a vehicle he was a passenger in crashed and was struck by an oncoming vehicle, according to New Hampshire State Police. At around 9:15 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2017, troopers from Troop B were called to the turnpike in Merrimack for a crash just south of Exit 10.

At the time, a Toyota Avalon was traveling south when the vehicle lost control and struck the center barrier. The five occupants exited the vehicle to inspect the damage, according to state police. Another vehicle – a Subaru Legacy – traveling south then struck the Avalon as well as Halverson. "As a result of injuries sustained, Halverson was pronounced deceased on scene," Sgt. Steven Wheeler noted in a press statement.

The crash scene and investigation closed the road for about four hours. Currently, alcohol "does not appear" to be a factor in the crash but the case remains open. Wheeler noted that state police were assisted by Merrimack and Nashua Police and Fire Departments as well as the NH DOT.