Early on Thanksgiving morning, a tragic head-on collision claimed the life of a police officer when a Tesla was observed driving in the wrong direction along the I-95 interstate in Massachusetts.
Jeremy Cole was on his way home to Exeter, New Hampshire after finishing a shift as part of Endicott College Campus Police.
The Tesla, which was driving southbound in the northbound lanes slammed straight into Cole’s Chevrolet Trailblazer SUVÂ head-on, near Newbury.
First responders worked tirelessly to get the 49-year-old, married father of four out of his SUV, but he died at the scene.
Law enforcement officers from New Hampshire and Massachusetts had been monitoring the vehicle’s movements as it neared the Newburyport area, while police in Georgetown readied a tire-deflation device in an attempt to stop it.
But the Tesla collided with Cole’s vehicle before reaching the police setup on one of the busiest travel nights of the year
The Tesla’s driver, a man in his 40s from Massachusetts, suffered severe injuries in the accident, according to the Massachusetts State Police, and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Boston.
Authorities have not yet released his identity but he is expected to face charges as the investigation continues.
Jeremy Cole, 49, a married father of four, had just finished his shift, and was heading home when the wrong-way driver struck his Chevrolet Trailblazer head-on, killing him
His colleagues remembered Cole as a reliable, selfless, and compassionate officer whose contributions went far beyond the call of duty
Chief Kerry Ramsdell of the Endicott College Police Department expressed profound grief over the loss of Cole, describing him as ‘not only a dedicated public servant and prior recipient of a lifesaving award, but also a cherished member of our team.’Â
In a heartfelt statement, Ramsdell said, ‘On this Thanksgiving Day, our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones of a police officer who reported for duty keeping the rest of us safe and secure but did not return home. We are committed to supporting them in any way we can through this unimaginable grief.’
Cole’s 15-year career at Endicott College was marked by his unwavering commitment to public safety and his community.Â
His colleagues remembered him as a reliable, selfless, and compassionate officer whose contributions went far beyond the call of duty.Â
In 2021, Cole, along with Officer Sean Gannon, received a Lifesaving Award after he helped save the life of the assistant softball coach, who went into cardiac arrest while on campus.Â
In a letter to the community, Endicott College’s president said, ‘Beyond his professional contributions, Jeremy was a kind and compassionate individual, deeply committed to his family and our campus.
‘No Endicott officer was more well known or loved across campus than Sgt. Cole. In his 15 years with us he was the model for community policing. He used his talent for remembering people and his sense of humor, and leaned on his experience as a father of four, to break down barriers and connect with others. Through his work our community better understood the primary role of a peace officer – to help.’
A GoFundMe has been set up to help provide funds for his family. Students remembered Cole fondly saying he was someone they could rely on.
In 2021, Cole, right, along with Officer Sean Gannon, left, received a Lifesaving Award after he helped save the life of the assistant softball coach, who went into cardiac arrest while on campus
Students described Cole, right, as ‘a friendly face’ and someone who would always make them laugh
‘A very friendly face that you always knew you could turn to if you need him,’ said Benjamin Fridlington to WMUR.Â
Other students said Cole would always make them laugh.
‘He’d be sitting around the fire with us, eating graham crackers and marshmallows. Cracking jokes and all of that, with us,’ added Alyssa Zompa.
Others said Cole would occasionally drive them home in his car if it was cold at night and that he was like a second dad to some.
The college plans to host a community gathering at 9am on Monday to honor Cole. Grief counselors will also be available on campus.
