Rochester driver killed in Alton crash

ALTON — A Rochester driver was killed in a head-on collision on Henry Wilson Highway, also known as Route 11, Tuesday morning.

Stacey Odette-Bissell, 40, of Rochester, was found dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the other vehicle was Jessica Franklin, 31, of Berwick, Maine. Franklin was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital by an Alton ambulance to be treated for serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Chief Adam Painchaud said at about 6:30 a.m. on April 28, Alton Police responded to a report of a head-on car accident, and someone was trapped inside a car, near Heron Point Road.

An investigation at the scene found a 2023 Nissan Altima, driven by Odette-Bissell, was traveling west when it crossed into the east lane, colliding head-on with a 2024 Jeep Compass, driven by Franklin.

Both vehicles were heavily damaged, and both drivers were trapped in their cars. They were both driving alone, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

A section of Route 11 from the Alton Traffic Circle to the Depot Street intersection, in New Durham, was closed for about five hours during the investigation. Alton Police and Fire departments, along with New Durham Police, responded to the scene. The Belknap Regional Accident Investigation Team also assisted in the investigation.

Painchaud said while it is early in the investigation, he did not see any sign of foul play or impaired driving causing the crash. He said an autopsy will be performed, which will include a series of tests, like a toxicology report.

“It does not appear to be a hands-free issue, or a speed issue, so what caused it, I don’t know,” Painchaud said.

The Alton Police Department sent their condolences to the families of the victims.

The accident are under investigation, and anyone with information should contact Officer Kyle Donahue at 603-875-0757 or kyle.donahue@alton.nh.gov.