Driver Deceased Following Pursuit and I-93 Crash in Canterbury

October 19, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

CANTERBURY, N.H. — A Massachusetts driver is deceased following a pursuit and crash on Interstate 93 early Sunday in Canterbury, according to New Hampshire State Police.

At 12:51 a.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, a trooper from Troop D attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on I-93 northbound near Exit 12. The driver did not stop, and a pursuit ensued. State Police reported that the vehicle, a blue 2020 Honda Civic, was observed traveling erratically and reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour.

As the Honda approached Exit 18, the driver attempted to take the off-ramp. During that maneuver, the driver lost control. The vehicle left the roadway, crossed the northbound on-ramp, went down an embankment, and struck a tree.

The driver was identified as Benjamin Tapia Gately, 20, of Saugus, Massachusetts. He was ejected from the vehicle during the crash sequence. Troopers and emergency responders initiated life-saving measures at the scene; however, he was pronounced dead at the location. State Police noted that Tapia Gately was the sole occupant of the Honda Civic.

Canterbury Fire & Rescue assisted troopers at the scene. No additional occupants or involved vehicles were reported in the State Police information released for this incident.

The crash remains under investigation. State Police are requesting that anyone with information related to the pursuit or crash contact Sergeant Kenneth McGrath at (603) 223-4381 or Kenneth.T.McGrath@dos.nh.gov. Investigators will evaluate any relevant witness accounts, dash-cam video, or other information that may assist in clarifying the events leading up to the collision.

This article summarizes the details provided by State Police: the attempted traffic stop near Exit 12, the reported speeds and erratic operation, the loss of control while attempting the Exit 18 off-ramp, the vehicle’s path off the road and into a tree, the identification of the driver, and the on-scene response and outcome. No further details regarding contributing factors, roadway conditions, or additional investigative findings were included in the information released as of this update.

Credit: New Hampshire State Police