A 24-year-old Taunton man identified as Alec Ardita has died after a white Nissan Maxima plunged into the Threemile River in Taunton, Massachusetts. The crash also claimed the life of a second man whose identity has not yet been released. Ardita’s death has left his family and friends grieving, while an online fundraiser has been organized to support his loved ones.
The crash happened around 10:15 p.m. Monday, November 9, near the intersection of North Walker and Winthrop streets. Police received a 911 call reporting that a vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed in the area.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the Nissan struck a utility pole and a guardrail before leaving the roadway and plunging into the river near 396 Winthrop Street.
Taunton police officers responded alongside the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council dive team and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office. Rescue crews began searching the water for the vehicle and anyone who might have been inside.
Investigators eventually located the submerged white Nissan Maxima with one occupant inside. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as Ardita, 24, of Taunton.
The search did not end there. Investigators had reason to believe another person was inside the vehicle when it entered the river. Crews continued searching the surrounding waters, but worsening conditions forced divers to suspend their efforts overnight.
The search resumed in daylight hours Tuesday, November 10. Later that afternoon, divers located a second man near the submerged vehicle. He was also pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities had not publicly released his identity in the latest reports.
As news of Ardita’s death spread, friends began remembering him for his kindness and the support he showed others. He was also known to enjoy riding motorcycles and bicycles. Those close to him expressed how much they would miss him.
A fundraiser has since been organized to help Ardita’s loved ones cope with the loss. The tragedy has left two families facing the painful loss of young men following a crash that remains under investigation.
Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Taunton Police Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.