Daniel Ducharme dies in fatal Hatfield car crash/ Bear attack
Fatal Hatfield car crash Bear attack death of Daniel Ducharme – Obituary
On Sunday, in Hatfield, Massachusetts, a tragic incident unfolded when a bear dragged a car crash victim from his vehicle before fleeing as first responders arrived, according to reports.
The crash scene, located along I-91 at approximately 11 a.m., revealed a car that had collided with barriers and veered into the surrounding woods.
Massachusetts State Police (MSP) indicated in an initial statement that the driver, identified as Daniel Ducharme, 31, might have been ejected or partially ejected from the vehicle. The bear reportedly moved him away from the car before the police could reach the site.
Local news outlets identified the victim as Daniel Ducharme. Authorities believe he may have already been deceased when the bear approached, though the exact details are still under investigation. The Independent has reached out to MSP for further details.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs informed Western Mass News that a bear involved in the incident had been euthanized in Hatfield, and assured that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, bears inhabit western and central regions of the state, including Hatfield, with an estimated population of 4,500. Recent years have seen bears moving further east, with incidents involving bears in areas like Whitman and Kingston, Massachusetts, in the past year.
Massachusetts Wildlife notes that bear attacks are uncommon and typically occur only if provoked. Hikers are advised to alert bears to their presence by making noise, such as clapping or talking, to avoid startling them.
Fatal Hatfield car crash Bear attack death of Daniel Ducharme – Obituary On Sunday, in Hatfield, Massachusetts, a tragic incident unfolded when a bear dragged a car crash victim from his vehicle before fleeing as first responders arrived, according to reports. The crash scene, located along I-91 at approximately 11 a.m., revealed a car that…
Fatal Hatfield car crash Bear attack death of Daniel Ducharme – Obituary On Sunday, in Hatfield, Massachusetts, a tragic incident unfolded when a bear dragged a car crash victim from his vehicle before fleeing as first responders arrived, according to reports. The crash scene, located along I-91 at approximately 11 a.m., revealed a car that…