Three Killed In Candia Route 101 Crash Identified By NH State Police

CANDIA, NH — The CEO of the Courville Communities and his wife have been identified as the two people who were killed in a head-on crash on Route 101 Saturday.

Richard Courville, 77, and Denise Courville, 65, of North Hampton, were driving west on 101 in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer when a pickup truck crossed the median and hit them head-on, according to state police. New Hampshire State Police, Candia, Auburn, and Raymond Fire responded to a report of a head-on crash on Route 101 at Mile Marker 69 near the Depot Road overpass Saturday.

Troopers determined that Michael Wescott, 59, of Greenville, driving a 2010 Toyota Tundra, was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed before side-swiping a 2018 Nissan Sentra, striking a guardrail on the eastbound side. The Tundra then veered across the center median and into the westbound travel lanes, striking the Jeep head-on, killing the Courvilles. Wescott died at the scene of the crash.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan Sentra, both of Peterborough, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Elliot Hospital as a precaution.

Richard Courville was the President and CEO of Courville Communities, providing senior living, assisted living, and long-term care in Manchester, Bedford, and Nashua facilities.

On the company's website, it says Richard “Dick” Courville has over 50 years of experience in developing and operating senior living facilities. He served as a member of the NH Health Care Association Board of Directors and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Richard Courville graduated from the University of New England with a degree in economics and held an Administration Certificate from the University of New Hampshire.

In a message sent to employees of the Courville Communities, his son Ryan Courville said:

"With a broken heart, I regret to share the news that my father, Richard Courville, the founder and visionary who built The Courvilles, was tragically killed in a car accident yesterday with his wife, Denise. At this time of shock and sorrow, I ask that anyone who knew my father, or "Mr. C" as he was affectionately called by many, take a moment to reflect on your memories of him and lift a prayer up to heaven for him and Denise."

While speed appears to be a factor in the crash, all aspects remain under investigation. Troopers have spoken with multiple witnesses; however, anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t already spoken with police is asked to contact Trooper Will Bohnenberger at William.F.Bohnenberger@dos.nh.gov or 603-223-4381.