Woman dead, teen arrested after multi-car crash on Sagamore Bridge

A tragic multi-car crash on the Sagamore Bridge in Bourne, Massachusetts, has left one woman dead and a teenager in custody, sending shockwaves through the local community. The incident occurred on Friday evening, August 9, 2024, when 19-year-old Paul Myers of Plymouth attempted to maneuver his vehicle illegally, leading to a catastrophic collision.

According to the Massachusetts State Police, the accident took place just before 7 p.m. Myers was driving westbound on Route 6 in the left lane when he attempted to pass another vehicle by moving into the right lane. This maneuver proved disastrous as Myers's vehicle collided with a Toyota Corolla traveling in the right lane. The impact forced the Corolla to hit a curb, spin across the median, and crash into a car traveling in the opposite direction.

The consequences of this reckless driving were devastating. Martha Sheldon, a 79-year-old passenger in the Toyota Corolla, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. The driver of the Corolla, an 83-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His current condition remains undisclosed.

Paul Myers was arrested at the scene on suspicion of operating under the influence of drugs. This charge adds a grave dimension to the incident, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. The Massachusetts State Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, as they work to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.

The crash led to significant traffic disruptions, with both lanes of Route 6 east and the left lane of Route 6 west being shut down for several hours. Authorities worked diligently to clear the scene and investigate the crash, eventually reopening all lanes around midnight.

Tim McGuirk, the Interim Director of Media Relations for the Massachusetts State Police, expressed condolences to the family and friends of Martha Sheldon. "We offer our condolences to Ms. Sheldon's loved ones," McGuirk stated, underscoring the profound impact this incident has had on the community.

The Sagamore Bridge, a critical transportation link to Cape Cod, has seen its share of traffic incidents, but this fatal crash has reignited concerns about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers. Residents and officials alike are calling for increased vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless and impaired driving. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Martha Sheldon and hopes for the recovery of the injured driver. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Paul Myers will likely unfold in the coming weeks, as authorities seek to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The Massachusetts State Police urge anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward, as they continue to gather evidence and testimonies. The tragic events on the Sagamore Bridge have left an indelible mark on the community, emphasizing the need for caution and responsibility on the roads.