State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 24 South in Stoughton Update

On Sunday, July19, 2009 at approximately 12:55 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Milton responded to a one-vehicle crash on Route 24 South, near exit 20 (Central Street) in Stoughton that resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Eric Papkee indicates that a 2004 Jeep Liberty operated by 19-year-old Patrick J. Joyce from South Boston was traveling on Route 24 South in Stoughton when he struck the guardrail adjacent to the far left travel lane and the vehicle rolled over. 21-year-old Patrick Devlin from South Boston was ejected from the vehicle. The unbelted Devlin sustained serious injuries and was transported to the Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Joyce was transported to Milton Hospital with minor injuries.

Joyce has been charged with motor vehicular homicide, operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating without a license, mark lanes, open container violation, and possession of a Class E drug. He is to be arraigned today at Stoughton District Court.

This crash remains under investigation by Troop H of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. Stoughton Fire, and MassHighway assisted troopers at the scene.

Due to the crash investigation and vehicle removal Route 24 southbound was closed for approximately 90 minutes.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.