Crime & Safety
Cheshire County, NH Crash: 80-Year-Old Killed in Head-On Collision
Marlborough, NH – An 80 year old man was killed Wednesday, Oct. 14, in a fiery head on collision on Route 12 in Cheshire County, prompting a major emergency response and shutting down the highway for
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-10-14T20:26:47.441Z
Marlborough, NH – An 80 year old man was killed Wednesday, Oct. 14, in a fiery head on collision on Route 12 in Cheshire County, prompting a major emergency response and shutting down the highway for approximately five and a half hours.
According to New Hampshire State Police, troopers assigned to Troop C responded at approximately 10:18 a.m. to reports of a serious crash near Webb Depot Road in Marlborough.
When emergency personnel arrived, they discovered two vehicles involved in the collision — a 2019 Ram ProMaster van and a 2021 Nissan Rogue. Both vehicles were on fire.
Preliminary Investigation Details Head On Collision
Investigators determined that the Nissan Rogue was traveling southbound on Route 12 when it veered into the northbound lane.
The northbound Ram driver reportedly attempted to avoid the approaching vehicle by swerving left.
At the same time, the Nissan driver allegedly attempted to correct course, resulting in a head on collision.
The Nissan driver, identified as Donald C. Garfield, 80, of Jaffrey, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ram driver, identified as Jose Manuel Camacho Quintana, 33, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, was helped out of his vehicle by a good Samaritan.
First Responders Battle Vehicle Fires
Officers from the Troy and Swanzey police departments were among the first to arrive, using fire extinguishers to combat the flames.
Several good Samaritans also assisted by locating additional extinguishers and bringing them to the crash scene.
Multiple police, fire and emergency medical agencies responded, along with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
Route 12 Closed for Hours
Authorities said Route 12 remained closed for approximately five and a half hours while investigators examined the scene and crews completed cleanup operations.
The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Paul Bergeron at 603 223 3879 or Paul.J.Bergeron@dos.nh.gov .
The cause and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.