PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Hi-Way Safety Systems can no longer bid on state roadwork projects in Massachusetts following a deadly DUI crash allegedly involving one of their employees in Pembroke back in December. But now the Rockland-based company is still looking for work in other New England states.
On the New Hampshire State Department of Transportation’s website, one document posted shows that Hi-Way Safety Systems is actively bidding on a contract for a project in the Granite State.
The project is for striping work on New Hampshire’s turnpikes. Hi-Way Safety Systems is one of three companies bidding on the roughly $1 million contract.
In addition to not being able to bid on state projects in Massachusetts, Hi-Way Safety Systems cannot work as a subcontractor in the Bay State either. In a letter MassDOT cited serious concerns with the current management structure of the company and its ability to make responsible decisions concerning the conduct of their managers and employees.
A spokesperson at New Hampshire’s DOT told Boston 25 News that Hi-Way Safety Systems’ bid is currently being reviewed.
“I had heard of the company, there had been other inquiries about that particular company, and as of right now they’re not prohibited from bidding on New Hampshire DOT projects,” said Eileen Meaney, the New Hampshire DOT Chief Communications Officer.
Prosecutors say Hi-Way Safety Systems’ former employee Gregory Goodsell was driving his company truck while drunk and high on drugs when he allegedly caused a fatal crash in Pembroke back in December.
A 13-year-old, Claire Zisserson, was killed in that crash. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit demanding a jury trial. According to the 37-page lawsuit, Zisserson was driving up to New Hampshire with her mother and her friend for a snowboarding day trip.
Her parents are suing Hi-Way Safety Systems, its owners, Kenneth Horn and Cathy Delong and their now-former employee Goodsell, who was allegedly drunk and high when he caused the fatal crash.
The Zissersons are also suing an unnamed person and company indicated in the paperwork as “John Doe” and “ABC corporation.”
The lawsuit says the defendants were negligent and are liable for Claire’s death on December 29.
In addition to Claire’s death, the lawsuit says because of the crash, Claire’s mother, Elizabeth, “was severely and permanently injured […] has been scarred and disfigured, has suffered and in the future will suffer a loss of the enjoyment of life.”
Another 13-year-old, Kendall Zemotel, was seriously hurt in the crash. She is still fighting for her life at the hospital while her family is suing Goodsell, Hi-Way Safety Systems and its owners
Meanwhile, friends of the Zemotel family are organizing a blood drive in Claire and Kendall’s honor for the end of the month. The latest update on her GoFundMe page says Kendall is making baby steps towards progress, but still has a long road to recovery ahead.
>>>PREVIOUS STORIES:
Father of teen injured in fatal Pembroke crash files lawsuit against Hi-Way Safety Systems
More charges could be coming in Hi-Way Safety Systems Christmas party aftermath
More arrests, charges surface after Hi-Way Safety Systems holiday party
Timeline of a holiday tragedy in Pembroke
MassDOT: Hi-Way Safety Systems can no longer bid on state contracts
DA: Man charged with OUI in fatal crash had 35 previous driving infractions
DA investigating death of man found unresponsive at Rockland motel
Investigators: What did owners know about drug-fueled party and when?
Letters to Hi-Way Safety Systems employees confirm ‘private gathering’ in Pembroke
Vigil held Sunday to remember teen killed in Pembroke crash
Man, 31, charged with OUI after two-car crash seriously hurts 3 in Pembroke
13-year-old Pembroke crash victim identified, driver charged with manslaughter OUI
‘We just need a bunch of prayers’: Plymouth reeling after horrifying crash