SOUTHERN MASSACHUSETTS — Two unrelated but equally devastating car crashes occurred Sunday night in southern Massachusetts, claiming the lives of two people, including a recent high school graduate. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office confirmed both fatal incidents and stated that investigations are underway.
The first crash happened around 7:30 p.m. on Interstate 195 South in Attleboro. According to Massachusetts State Police, a Toyota Corolla veered off the highway and crashed into a tree near the edge of the woods. The driver, identified as 69-year-old James Hobbs of Dorchester, was transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the collision.
Roughly an hour and a half later, a second fatal crash took place in Dartmouth. This time, the accident involved a Hyundai Sonata that struck a telephone pole along Russells Mills Road. First responders arrived to find the driver unresponsive and pinned between the vehicle and the pole. The driver was identified as 18-year-old Nikoles Joseph of Dartmouth. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
Joseph had just graduated from Dartmouth High School and was well known as a member of the school’s football team. News of his death spread quickly throughout the community, bringing deep sorrow to classmates, teachers, and local residents. Dartmouth High School has reportedly arranged grief counseling services for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Authorities have not reported any signs of foul play in either crash. At this time, no charges are expected, and there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved. Investigators are focusing on gathering more information, including the condition of the vehicles and the state of the roads at the time of both crashes. Weather conditions do not appear to have been a factor.
These back-to-back tragedies have left two communities mourning the sudden loss of life. In Dorchester, family and friends remember Hobbs as a kind-hearted individual, while in Dartmouth, a promising young life was cut short just as it was beginning. As the investigations continue, authorities are urging all drivers to stay vigilant and practice safe driving habits on the roads.
