Services announced, charges upgraded, after 54-year-old Massachusetts man dies from injuries sustained in Cape Cod crash

YARMOUTH, Mass. – The operator of the vehicle that struck a boat trailer, 81-year-old Peter Richmond of Yarmouth Port, has been charged with a second count of Motor Vehicular Homicide by Negligent Operation. Tragically, 54-year-old Cornelius Allen Bottomley of Hanover, has died from injuries sustained in the crash that took the life of his nephew.

They were working together on a boat trailer that had become disabled from a broken axle when the 2020 Cadillac Escalade driven by Richmond struck the trailer from behind.

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, Yarmouth Police received multiple 911 calls reporting a person was pinned between a boat and the vehicle towing it on North Main Street, just South of the Great Western Road intersection. Officers responded to the scene and Yarmouth Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue was requested.

A Cadillac Sport Utility Vehicle traveling South on North Main Street struck the boat trailer from behind, causing it to hit the people working on the damaged axle.

As a result of the crash, 14-year-old John Hughan of Norwell was killed instantly.

According to an obituary, Cornelius (“Allen”) “was known for his quick wit, boisterous laugh, kind heart, brilliant mind, and fierce loyalty to family and friends.”

Visiting hours for Allen will take place in the Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington St, Rte 53 in Hanover on Wednesday, Sept 25th from 4-7 PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Sept 26th at the United Church of Christ, 460 Main St, Norwell, MA.

Yarmouth Police and the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council Crash Reconstruction Unit are investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 508-775-0445.