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TAUNTON, Bristol County, Mass., Nov. 11, 2026 — Two people died after a car left Winthrop Street and went into the Three Mile River in Taunton on Monday night, November 9, investigators said. Recovery efforts stretched into the next day before both victims were found.
The car was reportedly traveling eastbound on Winthrop Street just after 10 p.m. when it ran off the road near the intersection with North Walker Street. It struck a utility pole and a guardrail before going into the river, according to the account investigators gave.
Taunton police, Massachusetts State Police and dive teams recovered one person from the car on Monday night. Crews called off the search overnight because conditions had worsened, then resumed on Tuesday morning and found the second victim. The medical examiner's office returned to the scene on Tuesday afternoon once the search ended.
The Bristol County District Attorney's Office identified one victim as 24-year-old Alec Ardita of Taunton. The second person has not been identified.
The case remains under review. We are deeply sorry for the losses suffered by the victims' families.
Intersection Crashes in Massachusetts
This crash happened at Winthrop Street and North Walker Street in Taunton, MA. Our Massachusetts intersections page covers intersection crashes across Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed make a crash more dangerous?
Yes. Higher speed gives a driver less time to react and increases the force of any impact, which raises the chance of serious injury or death and makes a vehicle harder to control if it leaves the road.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds means a driver can miss a curve, a stopped vehicle, or a hazard like a guardrail or shoulder drop-off until it's too late to react.
How do road and weather conditions factor into crashes like this?
Darkness, wet pavement, and poor visibility can all reduce a driver's margin for error, especially on roads with sharp curves, narrow shoulders, or water nearby.
What should someone do right after a car crash?
Call 911, move to safety if possible, and avoid shifting blame or speculating about the cause until investigators have gathered the facts.
