Last week, a 19-year-old Plymouth man was killed in an automobile accident while on leave from the U.S. Coast Guard. According to Kingston Police Chief Joseph Rebello, Chad Kierstead was riding in a Ford Explorer driven by 19-year-old Pat Donnelly when the sport utility vehicle (SUV) struck a utility pole while headed east on Route 80 in Kingston. The force of the crash reportedly snapped the pole into two pieces and sent the Explorer flying into a tree before the vehicle rolled and landed on its side. Chief Rebello stated the driver was walking around outside of the SUV when emergency responders arrived at the crash scene. Meanwhile, Kierstead, 19-year-old Tyler Barrows, and 19-year-old Chris Corbo remained inside of the vehicle. Two of the young men were transported to Boston area hospitals via emergency helicopter and the other two were taken to South Shore Medical Center by ambulance. A few hours after the crash, Kierstead was pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital.
An accident witness reportedly told police the Explorer was speeding at the time of the crash. It is unclear whether Donnelly was racing another vehicle when he lost control of his SUV. According to Chief Rebello, police are currently investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a factor in the fatal crash. The cause of the accident is presently under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit.
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury and death in Massachusetts each year. Collisions like this one are often caused by reckless, careless, distracted, or impaired drivers. Unfortunately, motor vehicle crash victims frequently suffer devastating and costly injuries. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an automobile collision, you may be eligible to receive damages for your medical costs, suffering and pain, permanent or temporary disability, lost wages and benefits, and funeral expenses. Contact a capable Massachusetts automobile accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options for recovery.
If you or a family member were hurt by a reckless or impaired driver, please schedule a free consultation with our team. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and assist you in filing your claim with more than 90 years of collective experience. We’ve helped victims of automobile collisions throughout Massachusetts receive the financial compensation they deserve after an injury or accident. Our dedicated attorneys represent clients throughout the Greater Boston area, including Worcester, Cambridge, Fall River, Metrowest, Cape Cod, Lowell, and Springfield.
Additional Resources:
Sorrow in Plymouth: Chad Kierstead, 19, dies in Kingston accident, by Kathryn Gallerani, wickedlocal.com
Police ID teen killed in Kingston crash, by Lane Lambert, patriotledger.com
One killed, three injured in Kingston SUV crash; witness says car was speeding, by Melissa M. Werthmann, boston.com
