An accident occurred on Sunday morning on Interstate 91 in Hatfield, Massachusetts, resulting in the loss of life of 31-year-old Daniel Ducharme. According to Massachusetts State Police, Ducharme was the sole occupant of the vehicle involved in the crash.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m. on the southbound lane of I-91, near mile marker 30.8. Ducharme lost control of his car, which collided with the guardrail multiple times before veering off the road and down an embankment into the woods. The vehicle then struck several trees, causing severe damage.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and found Ducharme either partially or fully ejected from the vehicle. A bear had encountered Ducharme and dragged him away from the wreckage. The bear was spotted by emergency personnel in the woods near the crash scene but fled the area as they approached.
The Massachusetts State Police are investigating the accident, and the exact cause of the crash is still unknown. It is also unclear whether Ducharme’s death was a result of the car crash or the bear encounter. However, according to David Procopio, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police, Ducharme “most likely” died as a result of the collision.
Ducharme’s family and loved ones are grieving the loss of a young life, and the community is in shock over the accident. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters.
The Massachusetts State Police are working to determine the factors that led to Ducharme losing control of his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident has raised questions about the presence of bears in the area and the measures in place to prevent such encounters. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has been contacted for assistance in the investigation.
As the investigation continues, the community comes together to support the family and loved ones of Daniel Ducharme, who lost his life in this accident. May his memory serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and wildlife awareness.
