A 24-year-old Taunton man was found dead in his car Monday night after it struck a utility pole and guardrail before plunging into the Threemile River, and dive teams suspended their search for a possible second occupant overnight as conditions in the water worsened.
Taunton police received a 911 call at about 10:15 p.m. Monday reporting a vehicle traveling at high speed near North Walker and Winthrop Streets, according to WHDH. The outlet reports that the vehicle struck a utility pole and guardrail, left the roadway, and entered the Threemile River. Separately, Turn to 10 reports that investigators believe the car left the roadway near 396 Winthrop Street after hitting the pole and guardrail.
Investigators recovered a white Nissan Maxima from the river. The driver, identified as Alec Ardita, 24, of Taunton, was pronounced dead at the scene, the station's report states.
Conflicting Accounts of a Possible Second Occupant
Accounts differ on how officials have described the possibility of another person in the car. WHDH reported that officials said a second occupant was likely in the vehicle at the time of the crash, while Turn to 10 reported that authorities believe a second person may have been in the vehicle. Neither report has confirmed whether a second occupant was actually present or identified anyone else who might have been inside.
Because water conditions worsened overnight, the SEMLEC dive team suspended its search efforts, which were expected to resume in daylight hours Tuesday, per the same account. The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to the outlet's report.
What Happens Next
Authorities have not released further details about what caused the crash, including the vehicle's speed or additional circumstances beyond the reported 911 call and collision sequence. As dive crews prepare to return to the Threemile River, the scope of the search and its outcome remain unresolved.
