RHODE ISLAND: Matt Dennison died from injuries when suspected DUI driver Alexander Krajewski hit him head-on

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North Kingstown man charged with DUI in Exeter crash that injured teens allowed to drive

from WPRI
WEST WARWICK, R.I. — One of the West Warwick teenagers injured in a serious crash last month has died.

Fatal-crash-when-Alexander-Krajewski-hit-vehicle-head-on-and-Matt-Dennison-has-now-died. Photo courtesy of WJAR

Matt Dennison passed away Thursday evening, according to West Warwick Superintendent Karen Tarasevich. Dennison had been in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital since the crash, which also injured Kevin MacDonald.

“As a school community, we are heartbroken,” Tarasevich said.

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The 17-year-olds were on their way to the West Warwick hockey rink back in February when their car was hit head-on by an alleged drunk driver in Exeter. That driver was identified by police as Alexander Krajewski, 30, of North Kingstown.

Krajewski was arrested on charges including driving to endanger resulting in personal injury as well as driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs resulting in serious bodily injury.

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The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office tells 12 News Krajewski will be back in court next week to be arraigned on an additional charge. That specific charge will be released following his court appearance.

Krajewski, who’s also a Newport firefighter, was arraigned on the initial charges last month but was later released on bail.

This fundraiser is for Matthew Dennison, Matthew is a West Warwick High School Hockey Player. Matthew was the senior captain and leading points scorer in Division 3. Those of you that do not know on Saturday night around 9:30 pm Mathew Dennison and best friend/senior goaltender Kevin MacDonald was involved in a motor vehicle accident. On scene, both Matt and Kevin were in critical condition. Kevin was transported by rescue to Hasbro children’s where he currently is in stable condition. Matthew was life-flighted from the scene to RI Hospital and is currently in critical condition. Both boys are in amazing care and are making very small steps to recovery. The outpouring of support for Matthew from family, friends, and the hockey community has been extremely special and appreciated by his parents, Mark and Brenda. Matthew has impacted so many people’s lives in a positive way and has a smile that is simply infectious. Matthew has a tough journey ahead and will continue to need all the support and love that we can give him.

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This fundraiser is for Kevin MacDonald, Kevin is a West Warwick High School Hockey Goalie. Kevin was the senior assistant captain and top goaltender in Division 3. Kevin MacDonald and his best friend/senior captain Matthew Dennison was involved in a motor vehicle accident. On scene, both Matt and Kevin were in critical condition. Kevin was transported by rescue to Hasbro children’s where he currently is in stable condition. Matthew was life-flighted from the scene to RI Hospital and is currently in critical condition. Both boys are in amazing care and are making very small steps to recovery. The outpouring of support for Kevin from family, friends, and the hockey community has been extremely special and appreciated by his parents, Jared and Kristien. Kevin has a tough journey ahead and will continue to need all the support and love that we can give him.

Firetrucks don’t have ignition interlocks

FROM PROVIDENCE JOURNAL: Newport Fire Chief Harp Donnelly said Krajewski is a probationary firefighter. Probation typically lasts for six months, but it’s possible for someone to be on probation for longer than six months. He said he was not sure when Krajewski started with the department.

Donnelly said Krajewski’s position with the department will depend on the outcome of court proceedings. 

“This whole situation is a tragedy for all involved,” Donnelly said. “Our heart goes out to everybody involved.”

Donnelly said that to be a firefighter, one must be able to drive, and that he’s unaware of any firetrucks that have an ignition interlock. MORE