Trooper hailed as hero after saving Barrington man's life

Scene of yesterday's crash. At right, vehicle windshield impacted by the trooper during his life-saving effort. (WMUR image)

MADBURY, N.H. - A State Police officer is being hailed a hero today after saving the life of a Barrington man whose car had crashed Saturday on an icy Madbury road.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when Trooper Christopher Prenaveau stopped his cruiser to investigate a single-vehicle crash on French Cross Road.

While he and the driver, Keith Correll, 21, of Barrington, were standing near the crash site, another vehicle that also lost control on snow and ice began sliding toward them.

Without regard for his own safety, Prenaveau pushed Correll out of the path of the oncoming vehicle, saving him from being struck.

Realizing he was not going to be able to avoid being struck, Prenaveau jumped into the air as the careening vehicle struck him, landing on the hood where he was then catapulted into the windshield before being thrown to the roadway.

As a result of the collision, Trooper Prenaveau suffered serious but nonlife-threatening injuries and was transported to Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover.

Neither the driver of the third vehicle, 36-year-old Anne Golding of Barrington, nor Correll were injured as a result of the collision.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu was quick to praise the trooper's actions, saying, "Trooper Prenaveau's bravery and sacrifice today truly embody the spirit of selflessness and public service found in the men and women of New Hampshire's State Police.

"I had the opportunity to speak with Trooper Prenaveau earlier and I am thrilled that he is in good spirits. Valerie and I are grateful for his service, thankful to his family, and wish him a full and speedy recovery."

The crash is being investigated by the New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction (CAR) Unit. Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Madbury, Durham, Dover and Barrington Police Departments, as well as the Madbury Fire Department and McGregor Ambulance Service.

Police said the incident highlights the many dangers faced by local, state and county law enforcement officers, as well as all first responders, as they perform their duties on a daily basis. Police also urged motorists to drive with care while recognizing the dangers of unsafe, changing weather and road conditions.