An evening of tragic circumstances unfolded on Route 495 as an elderly woman succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident, as per the Massachusetts State Police report. On December 30, 2023, a collision caused by a suspected drunk driver claimed the life of Luzmila Quispe, 75, after she was airlifted to a Boston hospital for emergency care but unfortunately did not survive.
Authorities were alerted around 10:45 PM regarding the incident. State Troopers were dispatched to the scene on Route 495 north, just south of Exit 99. According to their preliminary findings, a Ford Edge, operated by Jaymee K. Miller, 32, of Lawrence, struck a 2009 Honda Fit from behind. Miller allegedly failed to remain at the scene, opting to instead continue driving northward. Both vehicles were travelling northbound when the Ford plowed into the Honda, forcing it over the breakdown lane and into a guardrail.
The Massachusetts State Police reported that the Honda contained four occupants, including Quispe. Another elderly male passenger and the two front-seat occupants were injured and transported to local hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. Rescue personnel had to employ the Jaws of Life to extricate the two trapped rear passengers, an effort which saw them airlifted to Boston medical facilities.
Later that same night, investigators received a break when the Lawrence Police located the Ford Edge at a Gulf gas station. The vehicle's registration matched the evidence found at the crash site. Miller was subjected to a field sobriety test which she failed, leading Trooper Brian Meoli to arrest her on multiple charges, including OUI-Liquor and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Causing Personal Injury and Property Damage, as stated by MSP News. Miller's refusal to submit to a chemical breath test subsequently led to an automatic suspension of her driver's license.
In light of Quispe's passing, law enforcement officials are considering upgrading Miller's charges. She currently remains in custody, with bail set at $20,040, awaiting further legal proceedings. The ongoing investigation involves multiple units, including the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Troopers at the State Police-Andover Barracks were notified yesterday about the death of Quispe. Additional charges against Miller are pending the investigation's outcome.
