Driver, 71, not guilty in woman’s death

A 71-year-old Millbury man charged in connection with an accident last year in Auburn that claimed the life of a 75-year-old Leicester woman was found not guilty by a jury yesterday in Central District Court.

A six-member jury acquitted Edward O. Laflamme of 11 Wilson Road, Millbury, on charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent driving and driving so as to endanger, stemming from an Oct. 2, 2010, accident on Route 20 in Auburn that resulted in the death of Joan C. McDermott of 4 Pine Ridge Drive, Leicester.

Police said Mr. Laflamme was headed west on Route 20 in a 2007 Dodge 3500 Ram pickup truck when the truck crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound 2002 Buick Century sedan driven by Ms. McDoermott. The accident occurred shortly before noon.

Ms. McDermott was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries.

Mr. Laflamme was represented by lawyer Michael M. Monopoli. Assistant District Attorney Kassia Smith prosecuted the case. Mr. Laflamme was found not responsible on a charge of failing to stay within marked lanes.

Mr. Monopoli said Mr. Laflamme’s defense was that he passed out unexpectedly due to a medical condition.