Two Lives Lost in Tragic New Bedford Crash: Anne Torres and Teen Passenger
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — A devastating car crash in New Bedford has left two young lives tragically cut short, shattering families and rippling through two communities now united in grief. The victims have been identified as 21-year-old Anne Caroline Torres of New Bedford and a 17-year-old male from West Yarmouth, whose name has not been publicly released due to his age.
The fatal collision occurred late Saturday night near the intersection of Route 140 and Braley Road, a stretch of highway that has seen several serious accidents in recent years. According to investigators with the Massachusetts State Police, Torres was driving a black sedan northbound when her vehicle lost control for reasons still under investigation. Witnesses report hearing a loud crash just after 11:30 p.m., followed by the sound of screeching tires and breaking glass.
Emergency responders from the New Bedford Fire Department, Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS units arrived within minutes of the 911 calls. They found the car with extensive damage after it had collided with a guardrail and come to rest partially off the roadway. Both occupants were unresponsive inside the vehicle. Despite immediate efforts to revive them, Torres and her passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities are still piecing together the chain of events that led to the crash. Preliminary findings indicate speed may have been a contributing factor, though weather and road conditions at the time were clear. Investigators have not yet determined whether any mechanical issues or outside factors played a role. The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS) is leading the ongoing inquiry, working alongside local officers to determine what caused the young driver to lose control.
Anne Caroline Torres, remembered by friends as a “bright, determined young woman with a contagious smile,” had deep roots in the New Bedford area. A graduate of New Bedford High School, she was known for her kindness, humor, and love of music. Recently, she had been pursuing a career in cosmetology, attending classes at a local technical institute while working part-time to support herself and her family.
The 17-year-old male passenger, described by neighbors in West Yarmouth as “respectful and full of potential,” was a high school senior with aspirations of joining the U.S. Navy after graduation. His teachers and friends have spoken of his loyalty, generosity, and his ability to make those around him laugh even in the hardest moments. His name has been withheld at the request of his family, who are asking for privacy as they navigate their unimaginable loss.
In the wake of the tragedy, both the New Bedford and Cape Cod communities have come together to honor the victims. Vigils have been planned in both towns — one at Buttonwood Park and another near Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School — where friends, family, and classmates will gather to light candles and share memories. Online tributes have poured in across social media, reflecting the heartbreak of two communities connected by shared sorrow.
Police have confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Toxicology tests are standard in incidents of this nature and remain pending. Authorities continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or observed the car’s movements before the collision to contact the Massachusetts State Police Dartmouth Barracks with information.
As investigators search for answers, loved ones of both victims are left to confront the painful absence left behind by two promising young lives.
Anne Torres and the young man from West Yarmouth will be remembered not just for how they died, but for how they lived — with kindness, hope, and love that touched all who knew them.
May their memories continue to shine as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of community in times of grief.
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