NH Brigadier General John Pogorek killed in hit-and-run

Pogorek was the deputy adjutant general of the NH Air National Guard. The vehicle and driver that struck him in Rochester have been found.

July 9, 2024, 12:42 EDT | Updated July 9, 2024, 12:49 EDT

ROCHESTER, NH — Rochester police are investigating a hit-and-run crash Monday that left the commander of the New Hampshire National Guard dead.

Police, fire and Frisbie EMS responded to 10 Crown Point Road after a pedestrian accident was reported. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Toyota Tundra towing a trailer, driven by John Pogorek, 57, of Strafford, had stopped on the side of the road and was standing outside of his vehicle to re-secure the load on his trailer. A red Toyota RAV4 traveling west on Crown Point Road struck the victim as he was standing outside of his vehicle. The driver of the red Toyota RAV4 was charged with driving without stopping.

Subscribe to

As a result of the collision, Pogorek suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Rochester police. A teenage passenger in the Tundra was not injured in the crash.

The victim is the Brigadier General and Deputy Adjutant General of the New Hampshire Air National Guard.

During the ongoing investigation, police were able to locate a Rav 4, which, as it later turned out, was driven by 81-year-old Paul Clement of Rochester.

According to the New Hampshire Air National Guard, Pogorek was the principal advisor to the Governor of New Hampshire and the state’s Adjutant General on all matters concerning the New Hampshire Air National Guard. In addition, he was responsible for the command, control and operation of plans and programs for more than 1,300 officers and airmen at Pease Air National Guard Base. He was responsible to the Adjutant General for the combat and operational readiness of the New Hampshire Air National Guard and the ability of the 157th Air Refueling Wing to accomplish its federal and state mission.

The New Hampshire Governor’s office released a statement:

The New Hampshire National Guard and the State of New Hampshire suffered the tragic loss of one of their finest Airmen and leaders.

“General Pogorek was an exemplary wingman, mentor and friend to many,” said NH Adjutant General David Mikolaities. “He served his state and nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be greatly missed.”

“On behalf of the entire state of New Hampshire, I extend my sincere condolences to General Pogorek’s family,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “General Pogorek served his state, his country and his community with honor. His dedication and contributions to the Granite State will never be forgotten.”

As the NHANG’s deputy adjutant general, Pogorek was responsible for the command, operations and combat readiness of more than 1,300 officers, airmen and civilians at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington. General Pogorek was a pilot and accumulated more than 6,675 flight hours in 31 years with the U.S. Air Force and NHANG. He oversaw the deployment and operation of the Air National Guard’s first fleet of KC-46A tanker aircraft.

He leaves behind his wife Whitney Pogorek and their five children.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” Mikolaities said.

The Strafford County Regional Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team responded and assisted with the investigation. Crown Point Road from the intersection of Meadorboro Road and Estes Road to the intersection of Strafford Road was closed during the investigation and reopened several hours later.

There is currently no information on whether charges have been filed against the driver who hit the victim.

All aspects of the accident remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Detective Matthew Flathers of the Rochester Police Department at 603-330-7128 or [email protected]. Police Chief Gary M. Boudreau.