FALL RIVER, Mass. — Authorities are investigating a tragic motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a 51-year-old New Bedford man late Tuesday night on Route 24. According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police troopers were dispatched to the scene shortly after 10 p.m., near Exit 2. Upon arrival, they discovered the motorcyclist lying on a grassy area beside the highway’s crash barrier, while his motorcycle was found in the median of the off-ramp, several feet away.
The victim was identified as Scott Langlois, 51, of New Bedford. Emergency crews provided immediate medical assistance at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, Langlois was pronounced dead a short time later from injuries sustained during the crash. Officials said the collision appeared to involve only his motorcycle, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Preliminary reports indicate there were no signs of criminal activity or foul play. Authorities temporarily closed and diverted traffic on Route 24 while crash reconstruction teams conducted an on-site examination, causing significant delays in the area before reopening the roadway later that night. Investigators from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section are leading the inquiry, working alongside the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Detectives are analyzing tire tracks, roadway conditions, and mechanical evidence to determine what led to the crash. They are also reviewing nearby surveillance footage and interviewing potential witnesses to build a clearer timeline of events. Early findings suggest Langlois may have lost control of his motorcycle while traveling along the off-ramp, though officials have not confirmed contributing factors such as speed, road debris, or lighting conditions.
Authorities extended condolences to Langlois’s family, describing the fatal crash as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks motorcyclists face. “Even experienced riders are vulnerable to sudden hazards,” a police spokesperson said. “We urge all motorists to remain alert, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.” Motorcycle advocates have long emphasized the importance of wearing proper gear, obeying speed limits, and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles.
Route 24, which links several Southeastern Massachusetts communities, has seen multiple serious crashes in recent years, prompting renewed concern over safety along the busy highway. As the investigation continues, Langlois’s death serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life on the road and the need for vigilance among all who travel it.