HATFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A man who was dragged by a bear following a car crash was most likely dead at the time, Massachusetts State Police said.
First responders found the man outside of the car in Hatfield on Sunday morning and saw a bear in the woods nearby, Dave Procopio, a spokesperson for the state police, said in a statement.
“Evidence suggests the bear at some point had made contact with the victim’s body,” he said. The animal left when first responders went to the scene.
A preliminary investigation suggests that earlier that day, the driver, Daniel Ducharme, 31, of South Hadley, was traveling south on Route 91 when he lost control of the car, struck the guardrail multiple times, went down an embankment, and struck several trees in the woods. No one else was in the car.
“Evidence and observations at the scene suggest that the man was most likely deceased as a result of the crash,” Procopio said, and he was at least partially ejected from the car.
The crash is still under investigation.
How Rita Moreno uses honors like an upcoming public television award to further her philanthropy
Kevin Bacon returns to 'Footloose' high school
Japan helicopter crash: Flight data show no sign of mechanical failure
Oil consumption back to 2019 levels
Chad holds presidential election after years of military rule
Hurricanes get a quick boost from Evgeny Kuznetsov addition to start NHL playoffs
China's new Hugo Award winner draws inspiration from history and traditional culture
China's civil aviation sector posts record Q1 numbers
Shocking moment Pennsylvania man pulls a gun on pastor in front of horrified congregation
Damian Lillard sets Bucks' postseason mark with 35 points in opening half vs Pacers