Darriean Hess Charged in Crash that Killed Two Bicyclists

A Seabrook woman was arrested Tuesday in connection with Saturday's fatal crash in Hampton that killed two bicyclists. 

Darriean Hess, 19, was arrested at about 3 p.m. on Lafayette Road in Seabrook on four felony warrants.


Hess was charged with two Class B felony counts of negligent homicide and two Class B felony counts of second-degree assault, Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams and Hampton Police Chief Jamie Sullivan announced at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. 

Each of the Class B felonies is punishable by a maximum sentence of 3-1/2 to 7 years and up to $4,000 in fines.

"This is an ongoing investigation," Reams said. "There are still pieces of it that we're working on. It's too early to tell if additional charges will be filed."

Reams said the causes of the crash were primarily "speed" and "inattention." He said he couldn't comment on whether Hess was texting or whether alcohol may have been involved.

Reams declined to say how fast Hess was driving, only that her speed wasn't reasonable given that the bicyclists were participating in an annual group ride and there were warnings on the road. He did say her speed was "excessive" and that "the witnesses were surprised at the speed."

Hess, who doesn't have a license, was pulled over after doing 59 mph in a 30-mph zone while crossing over the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridge Saturday at about 12:45 a.m.—less than eight hours before police said she slammed into a group of bicyclists in the same spot, killing two and injuring two more. The cyclists were participating in the non-competitive Granite State Wheelmen Tri-State Seacoast Century Ride.
Reams said the traffic stop "has nothing to do with the prosecution of the deaths and injuries" caused by Hess' actions during the bicycle ride later that day. He said also said it's "too early to tell" if additional individuals will be charged in connection to the fatal crash, as the vehicle Hess was driving isn't registered in her name.

"It's very hard to say," said Reams.

One of the survivors, Margo Heigh, told WMUR she remembers seeing Hess' car coming at her before the accident.

Hess is expected to be arraigned on the charges Wednesday morning in Hampton District Court. The hearing time hasn't yet been set, although Reams said it will likely occur at 11 a.m.