Canterbury — A Norwich Public Utilities employee was killed in a one-car crash Monday evening on Route 169, when his 2010 Jeep Wrangler crossed into the opposite lane, struck a stone wall on the shoulder and overturned, state police at Troop D in Danielson said.

Raymond W. “Bill” Coughlin, 60, of 336 Barstow Road, Canterbury, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 4:01 p.m. Monday.

Witnesses told police Coughlin’s Jeep was traveling north on Route 169, crossed the center line and continued to the shoulder of the southbound lane, where it struck the wall and overturned. Coughlin was wearing a shoulder and lap seat belt, police said. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Coughlin has worked for NPU for the past 11 years, starting as a sewer plant operator and became sewer collections chief two years ago. NPU General Manager Chris LaRose said Tuesday that the entire company is “devastated” at the loss of Coughlin. He met Tuesday morning with the sewer division staff.

LaRose said Coughlin worked in one of the more difficult jobs, first at the sewage treatment plant and later helping customers deal with emergencies such as sewage backups into their basements. But he always maintained a positive attitude and approach with fellow employees and the customers.

“He was very conscientious, professional and sympathetic to the customers,” LaRose said. “It’s such a great loss.”

c.bessette@theday.com