Daniel Ducharme : Massachusetts Man Killed in I-91 Crash, Dragged by Bear

A resident of South Hadley has been identified as the victim in a tragic single-car crash on I-91 in Hatfield on Sunday morning. The remains of the victim, 31-year-old Daniel Ducharme, were discovered to have had contact with a bear.

According to the Massachusetts State Police, the incident took place around 11:06 a.m. on Sunday on the southbound lane of I-91 near mile marker 30.8 in Hatfield. Troopers arrived at the scene to find a 2016 Honda Civic in the tree line, with significant damage to several trees. The lifeless body of Daniel Ducharme was found outside the vehicle, and it was evident that a bear had come into contact with the remains.

Initial investigations suggest that the crash occurred a few hours before the vehicle was discovered. The Honda Civic was travelling south on I-91 when it presumably lost control, collided with the guardrail multiple times, and veered off the highway to the right. The car then descended an embankment and entered the woodland area, striking several trees.

It is believed that Daniel Ducharme succumbed to his injuries from the crash, either being fully ejected from the vehicle during the impact or dragged out by the bear. The bear was present in the vicinity when emergency responders arrived but left shortly after.

State Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal crash on I-91. The cause of the accident remains under scrutiny as authorities work to piece together the events that transpired.