Driver charged in crash that killed 7 motorcyclists in NH
By: Amanda Pitts
alpitts@abc6.com
@APittsABC6
RANDOLPH, New Hampshire (WLNE) – The driver of a pickup truck that crashed into a group of motorcyclists Friday in New Hampshire, has been arrested in Massachusetts and is facing negligent homicide charges.
Volodoymyr Zhukovskyy, 23, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, has been charged with seven counts of negligent homicide. He was arrested Monday morning on a fugitive from justice charge.
Police say Zhukovskyy was driving a 2016 Dodge 2500 with an attached trailer when he crashed into 10 motorcycles around 6:30 p.m. Friday on Route 2 in Randolph, New Hampshire.
Zhukovskyy was the sole occupant of the truck. Officials said he’s an employee of Westfield Transport Inc. of Massachusetts.
The motorcyclists were all members or supporters of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, made up of Marine veterans.
According to the club’s website, the group was riding to a charity event at the local American Legion in Gorham, New Hampshire. The club said five of the seven people killed were patch holders in the club, and two were supporters.
The victims are identified as Daniel “Danny Boy” Pereira, 58, of Riverside, Rhode Island, Jo-Ann and Edward “Taz” Corr, both 58, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, Michael “Fritz” Ferazzi, 62, of Contoocook, New Hampshire, Albert “Woody” Mazza, 59, of Lee, New Hampshire, Desma Oakes, 42, of Concord, New Hampshire, and Aaron “Stitches” Perry, 45, of Farmington, New Hampshire.
Three others were injured in the crash. Two were later released from the hospital, and the third, 45-year-old Joshua Morin of Dalton, Massachusetts, is listed in stable condition.
The daughter of Daniel Pereira spoke with us about her father.
“My dad was a great man. He loved his family, put us first, believed in giving back and wanted the best for everyone. He gave back to the community of veterans and people in need with his motorcycle club. My dad would give the shirt off his back for anyone,” said Alexandra Pereira.
The motorcycle club has created a GoFundMe to help the victim’s families. As of Monday morning, donations exceed $300,000.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
Zhukovskyy appeared in court in Springfield on Monday and was turned over to New Hampshire authorities where he’ll face the charges.
© WLNE-TV 2019
