JAY – A 75-year-old man died Sunday after his pickup truck went off the road in North Jay, collapsing while on the phone with 911 dispatchers.
William Espeaignette, 75, of Weld, was pronounced dead at the side of Route 17, also known as the East Dixfield Road, found next to his cell phone by Jay Police Department officers responding to his report of an early-morning accident. On Sept. 17 at roughly 2 a.m., dispatchers received a call from Espeaignette, who told them that his vehicle, a 2000 GMC pickup, had gone off the road and into the woods.
While on the line with dispatch, Espeaignette apparently collapsed.
Jay Police Department Officers Michael Mejia and Mark Lemos responded immediately, finding Espeaignette by the side of the road, unresponsive, lying next to his cell phone. They administered CPR until NorthStar EMS Ambulance personnel arrived, but Espeaignette was later pronounced dead at the scene. His truck was located approximately 50 yards off the road, at the bottom of an embankment, having sustained roughly $5,000 worth of damage.
Espeaignette is believed to have been the operator, and only occupant of the vehicle. The cause of his death is under investigation, although neither speed nor alcohol are believed to be involved in the crash.
Also responding to the scene were Wilton Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department personnel, along with JPD Sgt. Troy Young. The East Dixfield Road was closed approximately four hours by the Jay Fire Department, until the scene could be cleared.
William was a wonderful man. I was so saddened to hear of him passing. He always had a smile on and nice things to say…which is rarer and rarer these days. I’ll miss him very much!
Billy was my nieghbor on Walker Hill Road for several years before moving to Weld.
At least he died near what he would call HOME. RIP Billy !!!