State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 84 West in Sturbridge

On Friday, February 19, 2010, at approximately 9:00 p.m., troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Sturbridge responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 84 West at exit one ( Mashapaug Road ) in Sturbridge that resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to two other people.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Phyllis Kossak indicates that 23 year-old Jose L. Rodriguez of Worcester was operating a 1999 Ford Explorer in the center travel lane when he passed a 2009 Ford F-150 pick up truck that was in the far left lane being operated by 59-year-old Sam Frank from Norcross, Georgia. After passing the pick up, RODRIGUEZ moved into the left lane where the left rear quarter panel of the Explorer made contact with the front bumper of the Ford F-150 causing the explorer to roll several times. The Explorer came to rest in the far right travel lane. 25 year-old Courtney Bird from Worcester sustained fatal injuries inside the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 26-year-old Yvette Chiquito from Allentown, Pennsylvania and an eight year-old girl were ejected during the rollover and landed on the shoulder adjacent to the far left travel lane. Both were transported to U Mass Medical Center Worcester by medical helicopter.

RODRIGUEZ, an 18-month-old female, 3-year-old male, 3- year-old female, and 6-year-old male were transported to U Mass Medical Center Worcester with minor injuries. The operator of the pick up truck was not injured.

The facts and circumstances of this crash remain under investigation by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Sturbridge Fire Department, Southbridge Fire Department, Charlton Fire Department, and DOT Highway Division.

During the crash investigation all three westbound lanes were closed for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. During this time, traffic was diverted off Route 84 West at exit two. ( Old Sturbridge Road )

The state police do not identify juvenile crash victims.

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