Accident – death – Obituary News :

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Elderly Man and Grandson on Christmas Night

In a devastating incident on Christmas night, a 73-year-old man and his 15-year-old grandson lost their lives after a suspected drunk driver, driving on the wrong side of the road, crashed into their car. The accident occurred on U.S. Route 6’s Veterans Memorial Bridge in Somerset, Massachusetts, which is located about 20 miles east of Providence.

Suspected Drunk Driver Causes Fatal Collision

According to Massachusetts State Police, the driver of a 2023 Land Rover, registered in New York, was traveling east on the westbound lanes of the bridge when the collision took place. The Land Rover collided head-on with a 2014 Infiniti QX50, in which the teenager and his grandparents were traveling. The impact of the crash resulted in the immediate death of the young boy, while his grandfather passed away the following morning at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

Grandmother in Critical Condition

The teenage boy’s grandmother, identified as Donna Arruda, 68, incurred critical injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Providence. Our thoughts are with her and the rest of the family during this distressing time.

Charges Filed Against the Driver

The driver of the Land Rover has been identified as 41-year-old Adam Gauthier from New York City. He was initially treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a Providence hospital, where state troopers kept him under guard. The Bristol County District Attorney’s office has announced that Gauthier is being charged with several serious offenses, including manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol, vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, drunken driving with serious injury, reckless driving, and driving the wrong way on a highway.

Legal Proceedings and Bail

Gauthier was arraigned on Tuesday at Saint Luke’s Memorial Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The district attorney’s statement reveals that he has been ordered to be held on $100,000 bail. A pretrial hearing for the case has been scheduled for January 9.

Heartfelt Condolences

Speaking about the tragic accident, District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III expressed his deep condolences, stating, “This is a terrible tragedy, especially when it occurred on Christmas night. My heart grieves for the victims and their family for their terrible loss.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Arruda family and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.

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