“Unexpected Twist?” Massachusetts Police Investigate Bear Dragging Crash Victim’s Body from Car

HATFIELD – According to State Police, a bear is thought to have dragged the body of a crash victim from western Massachusetts out of his automobile on Sunday.

According to investigators, Daniel Ducharme, 31, of South Hadley, was most likely killed in the collision that occurred on Route 91 South in Hatfield. The evidence, according to the police, points to him being “either fully ejected or partially ejected and later dragged from the car by the bear.”

At 11 a.m. on Sunday, a different motorist reported seeing an automobile off the side of the road in the woods to the police. A “heavily damaged” 2016 Honda Civic was discovered by troopers in the trees.

Troopers at the crash scene observed a bear in the woods.

“When first responders reached the scene, the deceased male occupant of the vehicle was outside the car and a bear was observed in the woods in the vicinity of the scene,” State Police stated in a statement.

“Evidence suggests the bear at some point had made contact with the victim’s body.”

SEE MORE – ‘Highway BIG Drama!’ Miami Man Hospitalized In I-95 Road Rage Shooting, Is That Alive?

While troopers were on the scene, the bear left the area.

The investigation into the crash’s cause is still ongoing. There was only Ducharme in the vehicle. He lost control of the vehicle, struck the guardrail many times, and veered off the correct side of the road, according to the police. He hit multiple trees after falling down an embankment, according to the police.

Active black bear populations in Massachusetts

The established range of black bears in Massachusetts includes Hatfield. Over 4,500 bears are thought to exist in the state.

Back in March, wildlife officials cautioned locals that bears are emerging from hibernation and seeking food.