DARTMOUTH, MA — A profound sense of loss envelops the communities of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island, following a devastating single-vehicle crash on Interstate 195 that took the lives of two young men on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has identified the victims as 19-year-old Kevin Dos Santos Lopes of New Bedford and 18-year-old Amilton De Pina Semedo of Pawtucket.
The tragic incident occurred around 1:35 p.m. at mile marker 19.4 near the Reed Road Exit on I-195 West in Dartmouth. Massachusetts State Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a severe crash involving a 2006 gray Chevy Equinox. The force of the collision was catastrophic, ejecting both occupants from the vehicle and dislodging the engine from its frame, underscoring the intensity of the impact.
Emergency medical teams arrived swiftly at the scene, transporting both victims to a local hospital. Despite exhaustive efforts by medical personnel, Kevin Dos Santos Lopes and Amilton De Pina Semedo were pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Preliminary investigations by the Massachusetts State Police, in collaboration with troopers assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, indicate that no other vehicles were involved in the crash. Authorities have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances at this time, but a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
The loss of these two young men has sent shockwaves through their communities. Friends, family, and neighbors have turned to social media to share their grief and celebrate the lives of Kevin and Amilton, whose vibrant spirits left an indelible mark on those who knew them.
Kevin Dos Santos Lopes, a 19-year-old New Bedford native, was remembered as a kind-hearted and driven individual with an infectious smile. Friends described him as ambitious, deeply devoted to his family, and determined to carve out a bright future. His presence in the community was a source of warmth and inspiration.
Amilton De Pina Semedo, an 18-year-old from Pawtucket, was cherished for his thoughtfulness and zest for life. Those close to him spoke of his compassionate nature and sharp intellect, noting his ability to make everyone around him feel valued and appreciated. His loss has left a void in the hearts of many.
The untimely deaths of Kevin and Amilton serve as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, cutting short the dreams and potential of two young men who had so much to offer. As their families prepare to make funeral arrangements, the communities of New Bedford and Pawtucket rally together in shared sorrow, holding tight to memories of the joy and light the young men brought into their lives.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is urging anyone with information about the crash or who may have witnessed the incident to contact Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Hollis Crowley at (508) 961-1914 or via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, tips can be submitted to the Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Cases Unit at (855) MA-SOLVE (855-627-6583) or [email protected].
As the investigation continues,YO, the communities of Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Pawtucket unite in mourning, honoring the legacies of Kevin Dos Santos Lopes and Amilton De Pina Semedo. Their lives, though brief, touched many, and their memories will live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
May they rest in eternal peace.