SUV crashes into falling tree, killing daughter of Sunapee principal

Dec. 1—SUNAPEE — The adult daughter of the principal of the Sunapee Middle High School died Wednesday evening when her SUV collided with a falling tree on Route 11, New Hampshire State Police said.

Mary Moynihan, 22, died in the accident, which took place north of Trow Hill Road around 6:30 p.m.

On Thursday, the Sunapee School District notified parents of Moynihan's death. She was the daughter of Principal Sean Moynihan and his wife, Amy.

"This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students," read an email sent by Superintendent Russell Holden.

On Wednesday evening, winds were strong and rain was fell heavily in parts of New Hampshire.

In Concord on Wednesday, winds were from the south and west, and the highest gust was 37 mph, according to the National Weather Service. About a half-inch of rain fell.

State police said the accident involved a 2022 Toyota RAV4.

The SUV "was traveling southbound when it collided with a tree that was falling across the roadway," a statement reads. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Holden wrote that Sunapee Middle High School students were informed of the death at their first-period advisory class. The school's Crisis Intervention Team was activated and made available for students and their parents.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact Trooper Anthony LaPlaca at Anthony.J.LaPlaca@dos.nh.gov.

Sunapee police and fire and New London EMS assisted on scene.