Bear dragged crash sufferer’s physique from automotive in woods off Massachusetts freeway, police say

HATFIELD – A bear is believed to have dragged the physique of a western Massachusetts crash sufferer out of his automotive on Sunday, State Police say.

Investigators say 31-year-old Daniel Ducharme, of South Hadley, was probably killed on account of the crash on Route 91 south in Hatfield. Police mentioned the proof suggests he was “both absolutely ejected or partially ejected and later dragged from the automotive by the bear.”

One other driver referred to as police at 11 a.m. on Sunday after they seen a automotive within the woods off the facet of the highway. Troopers discovered a “closely broken” 2016 Honda Civic among the many timber.

Troopers noticed bear in woods at crash scene

“When first responders reached the scene, the deceased male occupant of the car was exterior the automotive and a bear was noticed within the woods within the neighborhood of the scene,” State Police mentioned in a press release. “Proof suggests the bear sooner or later had made contact with the sufferer’s physique.”

The bear took off from the world whereas troopers have been on the scene. 

The reason for the crash continues to be being investigated. Ducharme was the one particular person within the automotive. Police say he in some way misplaced management of the automotive, hit the guardrail a number of occasions, and went off the correct facet of the highway. He went down an embankment earlier than hitting a number of timber, police mentioned. 

Black bears lively in Massachusetts

Hatfield is a part of the black bears’ established vary in Massachusetts. There are estimated to be greater than 4,500 bears within the state.

Wildlife officers again in March reminded residents that bears are popping out of hibernation and looking for meals.