Alton, NH (April 29, 2026) – A head-on collision on Tuesday, April 29, in Alton left one woman dead and another seriously hurt on Henry Wilson Hwy near Heron Point Rd.
The crash was reported around 6:30 p.m. Investigators believe 40-year-old Stacey Odette-Bissell of Rochester was driving west in a Nissan Altima when her vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a Jeep Compass head-on. No other occupants were in either vehicle.
Odette-Bissell was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, a 31-year-old woman from Maine, was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A portion of Route 11 was closed while emergency units worked the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Stacey Odette-Bissell.
What Drivers Should Know About Head-On Crashes on New Hampshire Rural Roads
Head-on collisions on two-lane rural roads in New Hampshire are among the most deadly types of crashes recorded in the state. When a vehicle drifts or crosses the center line, the driver in the opposite lane has very little time — and often no space — to avoid the impact. These crashes tend to cause severe injuries even at moderate speeds because both vehicles absorb the full force of the collision.
Rural highways like Route 11 carry a mix of local and commuter traffic throughout the day, often with no physical barrier separating opposing lanes. Early morning and early evening hours can be particularly risky, as lower light levels reduce visibility. A single moment of inattention or a sudden medical event can be enough to send a vehicle into oncoming traffic with no warning.
