Name and details released in fatal Route 44 crash

A man died Friday at Rhode Island Hospital hours after being involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle on Route 44 in Rehoboth.

At around 7:45 a.m. Friday, Rehoboth Police received multiple 911 calls reporting that a vehicle travelling westbound had crossed over into the eastbound lane and struck another vehicle in the area of 502 Winthrop Street (Route 44).

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the preliminary investigation has revealed that William G. Spreyer, 74, was operating a Toyota Sienna, and travelling westbound towards Seekonk when he veered into the eastbound travel lane and struck a Ford Explorer being operated by a Rhode Island woman. Spreyer and his 72-year-old wife were seriously injured in the crash and were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where Spreyer later died. It is believed that Spreyer may have suffered from a cardiac-related issue just prior to veering into the eastbound travel lane.

The driver of the Ford Explorer was also taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

There is no suspicion of foul play related to this incident. The investigation and accident reconstruction remains ongoing at this time.