State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Taunton
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Shayne Suarez indicates that a Buick Century operated by Nadia Brooks, 81, from West Warwick, R.I., was traveling north on Route 24 when it entered the curving ramp toward Route 140 northbound. Simultaneously, an Oldsmobile Bravada sport utility vehicle operated by Tyrell Jamall Cunningham, 28, from New Bedford was on the opposite side of the ramp, having just turned off Route 140 northbound and heading toward Route 24 northbound.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the Century veered off the curving ramp and crossed through a grass infield separating the two sides of the ramp, where its front end struck the driver's side of the Bravada, causing the sport utility vehicle to roll over. Cunningham, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected and suffered severe injuries. Brooks also suffered serious injuries.
Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Cunningham was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The facts and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Bristol County State Police Detective Unit.
To facilitate the rescue response and crash investigation and cleanup, the ramp was closed for approximately two hours. It was reopened at 4 p.m.
No further information is available. Please do not call the barracks directly.