MassDOT worker remembered after being struck by car

STOUGHTON, Mass. (WLNE) — A Stoughton man who was struck on a highway while picking up debris this weekend is being remembered.

Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz said that a Massachusetts Department of Transportation worker was killed after being hit on July 27.

The worker was identified as Sousa, who was working on Route 24 around 9:30 p.m. when he was struck.

Cruz added that the driver remained on scene and the crash closed the northbound lanes of the road for three hours.

Stoughton Police Chief, Donna McNamara, posted a statement on the passing of Sousa:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of David “Spanky” Sousa, a lifelong Stoughton resident and a longtime friend. Sousa was known for playing Santa Claus every year in Stoughton. Sousa was a proud townie from Stoughton, and served on the Select Board for several years. He loved his hometown, and was proud of it. Sousa was also a tremendous and steadfast supporter of maintaining proper public safety staffing in the Town of Stoughton and was a longtime supporter of police and public safety.”

David Sousa helped many people, and he was always known for lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Sousa hailed from a family that for years owned the Stoughton Diner, once a staple in the community. He had a true dedication to service. David Sousa was an upstanding and outstanding member of the Stoughton Community, and a man whose kind heart and generous nature will be greatly missed. I offer my condolences to his family and co-workers at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.”

Stoughton Firefighters also shared a statement on his passing:

“The members of Stoughton Firefighters Local 1512 are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of lifelong resident and strong supporter of Stoughton Fire, David “Spanky” Sousa. From playing Santa for parades and at our Christmas parties, being chair of the Select Board, and always advocating for public safety, he will certainly not be forgotten. Spanky was truly one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We offer our sincerest condolences. Spanky has truly left his mark not only on our department, but on the entire town of Stoughton, and he will be missed by us all.”

Chair of the Selectboard, David Cavey, also posted a statement on Sousa:

“The passing of former Selectman David “Spanky” Sousa, taken from us far too young, is a profound sorrow that leaves a void in our community and in the hearts of his cherished family. His dedication to public service and the passion with which he approached his role were reflections of his genuine character. As we mourn his loss, we can’t help but think of his wife and children, who now face immeasurable grief and the daunting task of navigating life without his presence. His untimely death is a stark reminder of how fragile and precious life can be, and our hearts ache for the family left behind, as they grapple with this profound sadness and the absence of a beloved husband and father. In honor of our former Selectman’s remarkable contributions and to commemorate his untimely passing, flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the community.”

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.