On Sunday, Nov. 29, just before 2 a.m., a 911 caller reported a single motor vehicle had been involved in a collision on Meadows Road in Jefferson. Driver, and fellow PSU student, Mason Cliche, was killed in the early morning accident.
N.H. State Police Troop F arrived at the scene to find the Honda Civic rolled over off the northbound side of the roadway after having struck a telephone pole head on.
According to reports, Cliche was the sole occupant of the car and had been ejected from the vehicle at the time of the collision.
The cause of the collision is under investigation and is being led by Trooper Garrett Rella.
Cliche was a senior sports management major from Lancaster, NH. He was also a member of PSU’s men’s soccer team.
“Mason touched everyone who he came in contact with,” said PSU student and hometown friend. “He instilled so many memories in his hometown community, and the community here at Plymouth State.”
PSU men’s soccer coach Rob Wright, said, “He was a very humble, hardworking kid that never complained and enjoyed being around his teammates.” Wright had first coached Cliche when he played for the New Hampshire state soccer team, two years prior to committing to Plymouth State.
“Having spent time with the team this past Sunday, this is the first time they’ve had to experience a loss like this, and it’s very difficult,” said Coach Wright.
PSU men’s soccer teammate and captain Felix Lindeburg said, “From my two and a half years of knowing Mason, I can tell you that he was a very genuine man.”
“As a teammate he was a rare kind that you don’t find in every team,” continued Lindeburg. “One of those guys who was ready to sacrifice his own glory for the greater good of the team.”
PSU will be holding a candlelight remembrance tomorrow, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. on the Arold Field, located in front of the PE Center. All members of the community are welcome.
If you, or a peer, need additional support, please contact PSU’s Counseling and Human Relations Center. Hours are Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. When the center is closed, Genesis Behavioral Health in Plymouth is available to respond to those in crisis or urgent need to speak with someone. Their phone number is (603) 536-1118.
The Clock expresses its deepest condolences to family, friends, members of the PSU community, and members of the Lancaster, NH community and surrounding area.
COURTESY PHOTO/PSU ATHLETICS/KIM BOWNES