Belmont driver killed in Alton after motorcycle accident is 10th death in four days

ALTON — A Belmont driver was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, police say, contributing to a total of 10 deaths on New Hampshire roadways over a four-day period.

Alton Police Department officers responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck on Mount Major Highway near the western entrance of Route 11D at 6:15 p.m. Sunday evening, according to a news release.

A 2013 Harley-Davidson, driven by Collin Zaremba, 25, of Belmont, apparently collided with the bed of a 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by Sharon Skelton, 75, of Alton, as both vehicles traveled eastbound along Mount Major Highway.

Officers at the scene determined Skelton attempted to make a turn onto Route 11D when Zaremba collided into the rear of the truck. Zaremba was transported to a hospital where he later died, according to police. Skelton was not transported for medical attention.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Alton Police Department. Anyone who witnessed the crash or can provide additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Cameron Spellman at 603-875-0757.

Zaremba's death was one of just nine fatal crashes killing 10 people statewide between July 12 and July 15, according to New Hampshire State Police. 

“What’s happening on our roads is alarming and has resulted in tragic consequences,” New Hampshire Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards said in a press release Tuesday morning. “But the unfortunate reality is many of these crashes could have been prevented by better decision-making. We are asking our residents and visitors to comply with speed limits, keep their eyes on the road, and don’t drive impaired.”

Fatal auto accidents were recorded in Gilford, Belmont, Alton, Loudon, Center Conway, Concord, Jaffrey and Hampton Falls, according to State Police. Each crash killed one person, except the accident on the Gilford bypass, which resulted in two deaths. 

Two separate car accidents resulted in the death of three individuals in Gilford over the weekend, a Laconia child was killed in a two-vehicle accident in Loudon on Friday and a teenager from Northfield was also killed in a two-vehicle accident in Belmont Friday afternoon.

All crashes remain under investigation. 

State Police increased patrols and enforcement efforts along state roadways following the four-day period, which marked a 10% increase in fatalities over the number recorded through July 15 last year.

"Let's work together to make our roads safer for everyone,” State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall wrote in a press release. “The New Hampshire State Police will continue to enforce the laws of the road, but we need everyone’s help in obeying those laws, and we encourage all drivers to do their part.”