Police ID victim in fatal crash in New Bedford; search for 2nd driver involved

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE)- Massachusetts State Police have asked for the public’s help in their investigation into a crash that killed a 19-year-old man over the weekend.

State police identified the victim as Cameron Rodrigues, 19, of New Bedford.

The crash happened just before 2:30 a.m. A spokesperson for State Police said troopers were called for a report of a car into the woods next to the off ramp from Route 140 north to Braley Road.

First responders found that a 2019 Kia Optima sedan crashed off the ramp, hit a metal post, before it hit a tree partially into the woods.

Rodrigues was ejected from the car after it stuck a tree. Investigators believe sometime after the crash, an unknown vehicle traveled down the off ramp and ragged the victim to the area where he was later found by a passing driver.

Three bystanders tried to help provide medical aid to the victim.

Rodrigues was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Massachusetts State Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash, was driving in the area around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, or who may have any information to contact detectives at the district attorney’s office at (508)-993-2016.