A New Hampshire Air National Guard commander was killed in a hit-and-run crash Monday, police said.
John Pogorek, 57, a brigadier general and vice commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, died in the crash, Rochester police announced in a social media post Tuesday.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation revealed that the man, a 57-year-old married father of five, had his 2014 Toyota Tundra parked on the side of the road when the incident occurred.
Police said Pogorek had gotten out of his pickup truck to secure his belongings when he was struck by a red Toyota RAV4 that was outside the vehicle.
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Pogorek graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989 and enlisted in the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1999, according to his biography. (New Hampshire National Guard)
Following the collision, Pogorek was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later found the RAV4 and identified the driver as 81-year-old Paul Clement. Police say Clement continued driving after the crash. It is unclear at this time whether Clement will face charges.
A minor passenger in Pogorek’s truck during the crash was not injured, police said.
John Pogorek was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Rochester police. (New Hampshire National Guard)
Pogorek will assume command of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in June 2022. New Hampshire Air National Guard.
He previously served as commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, and was also commander of the 157th Operations Group at the base.
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He first enlisted in the New Hampshire Air National Guard in January 1999.
“General Pogorek was an exemplary comrade, mentor and friend to many,” New Hampshire Adjutant General Gen. David Mikolaitis said in a statement. “He served his state and nation with the utmost professionalism and dedication. He will be deeply missed.”
New Hampshire’s Republican governor, Chris Sununu, offered his condolences to Gen. Pogorek’s family. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
In a statement on X, Gov. Chris Sununu thanked Pogorek for his lifetime of service to the country.
“On behalf of the entire state of New Hampshire, I offer my deepest condolences to General Pogorek’s family,” Sununu wrote. “General Pogorek served our state, country and community with honor. His commitment and service to New Hampshire will never be forgotten.”
He is survived by his wife, Whitney Pogorek, and their five children.
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Rochester police said the accident remains under investigation and anyone with information can contact them at 603-330-7128.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Peace Air National Guard Base for comment.
