Driver Arraigned in Fatal Crash on 128 Bridge in Gloucester
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GLOUCESTER, Mass. – July 29, 2025 – Laurence Hayes, 81, of Reading was arraigned today in connection to a crash that occurred on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge on Route 128 in Gloucester at approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 30, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker confirms. Hayes was charged with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, a felony, and two civil motor vehicle infractions. He pled not guilty in Gloucester District Court before the Hon. Michael A. Patten and was released on personal recognizance with the conditions of home confinement with GPS monitoring and no driving.
Authorities allege Hayes, the operator and sole occupant of his 2020 Honda CRV, was driving northbound in a southbound lane when his vehicle struck a 2011 Toyota Corolla traveling southbound. The Corolla was operated by a 19-year-old female and also contained another 19-year-old female passenger and two 18-year-old male passengers. All individuals involved in the crash were transported to area hospitals. One of the occupants of the Corolla, Christopher Dailey, 18, of Gloucester, passed away on July 4 as a result of the severe injuries that he sustained. The other three teens in the Corolla were also Gloucester residents.
The Gloucester Police Department and Gloucester Fire Department responded to the crash. In addition to the Office of the Essex County District Attorney, the incident is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Troop A Detectives, MSP Danvers, MSP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, MSP Crime Scene Services Section, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In Gloucester District Court today, Assistant District Attorney Patrick Collins handled the arraignment on behalf of the Commonwealth. Hayes was represented by attorney Robert Sheketoff. Hayes is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on September 23.
All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Michael Keefe-Feldman
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