BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A Massachusetts woman pleaded guilty to negligent homicide following a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Salem, New Hampshire, on August 22, 2023.
Sara Grams was driving home to Haverhill after picking up takeout when she crossed into oncoming traffic, sideswiping a truck and colliding with a motorcycle. The rider, 24-year-old Austin Willette, was killed in the incident. His mother, Arlene Willette, was driving nearby at the time of the crash.
According to prosecutors, Grams was reportedly using her phone moments before the collision. During the investigation, data logs indicated she had been searching for music on Amazon prior to the accident, contradicting her claims of not being on her phone.
Grams expressed remorse in court, stating, “From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry for what I have put you through.” Willette’s family is advocating for distracted driving awareness through their organization, Austin’s Voice Against Distracted Driving.
The court sentenced Grams to one to four years in prison, with the possibility of parole after one year. Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of distracted driving in light of this tragedy.