Two-Vehicle Crash on Route 119 in Rindge Results in One Serious Injury; Investigation Assigned to Jaffrey Police

November 17, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

RINDGE, N.H. — The Rindge Police and Fire Departments responded on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at approximately 12:35 p.m., to a report of a two-vehicle crash with entrapment on U.S. Route 119 near Boss Contractors. Upon arrival, Rindge Police determined the operator of one vehicle was a Town of Rindge employee and requested assistance from the Jaffrey Police Department to handle the scene investigation.

According to the release, the crash involved a blue 2008 Subaru Impreza and a green 2024 Nissan Frontier. The Subaru was operated by Michael E. Chandler, 48, of Jaffrey. A passenger in the Subaru was Garey C. Smith, 71, of Jaffrey. The Nissan Frontier was operated by Troy J. Ashmore, 31, of Rindge, with passengers Katherine M. Ashmore, 31, of Rindge, and a 1-year-old.

Investigators determined the Subaru had been pulled over and stopped in the eastbound breakdown lane of Route 119 near Boss Contractors. As the eastbound Nissan approached, the Subaru began a U-turn to travel westbound, colliding with the passenger side of the Nissan. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and will likely be deemed total losses.

Katherine M. Ashmore was entrapped and required extrication. She sustained several fractured ribs and other injuries, was transported by Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance to Monadnock Community Hospital, and was later released. The infant passenger was transported as a precaution with no noted injuries. Troy J. Ashmore, Michael E. Chandler, and Garey C. Smith were uninjured.

Vehicle recovery and towing were provided by Gauthier’s Auto Services of Jaffrey. Both vehicles were towed to Cliff’s Auto Body & Repair, also of Jaffrey.

The crash remains under investigation by the Jaffrey Police Department. Witnesses with information are asked to contact Sergeant Thomas Bishop at (603) 532-7865 or Rindge Police Chief Rachel D. Malynowski at (603) 899-5009.

Involved parties (per police)

• Vehicle #1: Blue 2008 Subaru Impreza

  
  

  • Operator: Michael E. Chandler, 48, Jaffrey

  • Passenger: Garey C. Smith, 71, Jaffrey

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• Vehicle #2: Green 2024 Nissan Frontier

  
  

  • Operator: Troy J. Ashmore, 31, Rindge

  • Passenger: Katherine M. Ashmore, 31, Rindge (serious injury; later released)

  • Passenger #2: 1-year-old (transported as precaution; no noted injuries)

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Credit: Rindge Police Department