LINCOLN, RI. (THECOUNT) — Denis Aguilar Campos, 41, has been identified as the wrong-way driver in a Sunday crash that killed Bryant University students, Jaylin Rainford, 20, of Randolph, Massachusetts, and Chiemelie Okonkwo, 20, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, according to Rhode Island State Police.
Troopers responding to a reported crash around 12:30 a.m. determined that Campos was operating a pickup truck southbound in the northbound high-speed lanes when it collided head-on with a Chevrolet Tahoe occupied by Rainford and Okonkwo. Emergency responders pronounced all three victims dead at the scene.
|
Advertisement |
The impact of the collision caused significant damage to both vehicles, and Route 146 North was closed for approximately four hours as state police and emergency crews cleared the scene. Traffic delays were reported throughout the Lincoln area during the closure.
Investigators are working to determine how Campos ended up driving the wrong way on the highway. Though local reports listed Campos as a resident of Chelsea, Massachusetts, an extensive public records search yielded no results.
Officials have reached out to family members of all victims. Rainford and Campos were both Massachusetts residents traveling in Rhode Island at the time of the crash, while Okonkwo, originally from Georgia, was visiting the area. Local authorities and state police continue to investigate the circumstances of the tragic crash.
Bryant University President Ross Gittell shared in an announcement with the campus community that Okonkwo and Rainford were students:
“In the wake of this tragedy, Counseling Services and Campus Ministry staff are available for students who would like support during this difficult time,” Gittell said in the statement. “Please call the Office of Counseling Services at 401-232-6045 select option 2 to speak to a counselor, or contact Rabbi Steven Jablow at 401-232-6553.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information is asked to contact Rhode Island State Police at (401) 444-1000.
DEVELOPING::