NEWPORT, NEW HAMPSHIRE (December 17, 2025) – A 25-year-old woman identified as Ashley Wendt has tragically died in a Newport car accident on Maple Street.
Sullivan County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:45 p.m. on December 5. Ashley Wendt was driving down the road when a pickup truck driver crossed the center line before colliding with her vehicle head-on.
First responders were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Ashley Wendt was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the pickup truck was charged with negligent homicide and DUI. A full investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Liability for Newport DUI Accidents
It is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs in New Hampshire. Pursuant to NH Rev Stat § 265-A:2, no person shall operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs their ability to drive.
- If a driver crosses into opposing lanes of traffic and hits another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
- Drivers who cause fatal accidents while intoxicated could also face a number of serious criminal charges in addition to facing civil claims.
- In the event that a pickup truck or other vehicle was being used for commercial purposes, liability for the crash could extend to the business that owned or operated that vehicle.
Why Intoxicated Driving is So Dangerous
There are many different ways that alcohol can reduce a person’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
- Visual Impairment: Alcohol can cause major declines in visual function and a person’s ability to perform two tasks at the same time.
- Muscle Control: Alcohol can reduce a person’s coordination and reduce their ability to control small muscle groups.
- Reaction Times: Alcohol can substantially reduce a person’s reaction times and contribute to slowed thinking.
Steps to Take After Newport DUI Accidents
After an accident, several steps should be taken.
- Police Report: The police report for the collision should be sought. These reports can be enormously helpful, but they may also contain errors. They are an officer’s first impression of what may have happened.
- Evidence: Lots of photos of the accident site should be taken. Ideally, there may be surveillance footage of the crash.
- Independent Review: The circumstances leading up to the collision should be thoroughly investigated by an outside party. Among other things, it should be determined if a truck was being used for work purposes.
There is simply no excuse for a person to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. But many drivers do not realize that a variety of substances besides alcohol could potentially impair them. This includes prescriptions and even over-the-counter medications. Victims of car accidents can seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. The family members of any person who died may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
Justice for Sullivan County DUI Accidents
Our team extends our deepest condolences to the family of Ashley Wendt. Anyone with more information about what happened should contact the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.
Do you need more information about a Sullivan County DUI accident? At DiBella Law, our team of drunk driver accident attorneys is here for victims of these reckless crashes. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are protected through skilled advocacy. Contact our compassionate team for a free case evaluation today.