SALEM — A Salem woman has been charged with negligent homicide following a fatal traffic collision last August that resulted from distracted driving, authorities said.
Salem Police patrol units responded to a reported crash involving a motorcycle and two other vehicles at 354 Main Street (Route 97) on Aug. 22 at around 6:20 p.m.
According to the investigation, a 2018 Jeep driven by Sara Grams, 30, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, veered into the opposite lane, striking a 2012 Toyota before hitting a motorcycle.
The motorcycle, operated by 24-year-old Austin Willette of Methuen, Massachusetts, was traveling westbound behind the Toyota when the accident occurred.
Willette was airlifted to a Boston area hospital, where he died from his injuries the following day.
The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction unit (CAR) of the Salem Police Department led the investigation, which revealed that Grams was distracted by a mobile electronic device at the time of the crash.
The comprehensive investigation included scene mapping, vehicle inspections, and the collection of physical evidence.
Two search warrants were served during the investigation, which culminated in Grams’ arrest on Jan. 22.
She faces multiple charges, including Negligent Homicide and Negligent Driving.
Grams was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled for arraignment at the Salem District Court.
Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Manchester NH Police and the NHSP Forensic Laboratory.
Detective James Carlin has requested that anyone with additional information related to the incident contact the Salem Police Department at 603-893-1911.
