A third fatality has been confirmed following a catastrophic Christmas night collision in Somerset, Massachusetts. Donna Arruda, 68, succumbed to her injuries at Rhode Island Hospital on Friday, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. Her death adds to the grief of a family already mourning the loss of 73-year-old Floriano Arruda, her husband, and 15-year-old Jacoby Arruda, her grandson. The Arruda family, who hailed from Seekonk, encountered tragedy when their vehicle was struck by an alleged drunk driver traveling the wrong way on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, as reported by NBC Boston.
The driver identified as Adam M. Gauthier, 41, of New York City, is now to face additional charges as a result of Donna Arruda's death. Previously charged with manslaughter, and motor vehicle homicide while under the influence and operating under the influence, Gauthier had been ordered held on $100,000 cash bail. It wasn't immediately clear if he had representation to comment on the new charges, The Boston Globe notes.
The fatal incident occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m. on the westbound side of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Gauthier, driving a 2023 Land Rover SUV, allegedly struck the Arrudas' 2014 Infiniti QX50 SUV head-on in addition to involving a 2019 Honda Accord being operated by two women from Taunton—who are expected to survive their injuries. The Massachusetts State Police disclosed everyone involved in the crash required hospitalization, as recorded by Boston.com.
Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating, "This is a terrible tragedy, especially when it occurred on Christmas night. My heart grieves for the victims and their family for their terrible loss,” as obtained by The Boston Globe. Quinn's office confirmed that Gauthier is scheduled to appear in Fall River District Court for a pre-trial hearing set for January 9, while the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
