20-year-old North Attleboro man killed in crash remembered as friendly, kind, good athlete

A 20-year-old Bristol County man who died from injuries in a Monday crash is being remembered.

According to police, on Monday at just after 5:30 p.m., members of the Smithfield Police Department and Smithfield Fire Department responded to the area of 777 Putnam Pike for the report of a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles.

One operator identified as a 20-year-old man from North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for critical injuries. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The other vehicle’s operator and juvenile passenger were also transported for injuries to Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Gideon Gaudette, member of the North Attleboro School Committee, announced that the deceased is Austin Dean.

“Last evening, I was shocked to hear the horrible news of Austin Dean’s passing. He was a member of NAHS Class of 2023, and he attended Allen Avenue School when I was principal. I remember him as a friendly and kind young man. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and staff members who had an impact on his life. Rest in peace, Austin.”

Dean was a high school wrestler and football player becoming co-captain of the wrestling team.

The cause of the accident and any contributing factors still remains under investigation.