23-year-old New Bedford woman killed in collision that seriously injured sister had dream of opening her own shop this year

A young New Bedford woman is being remembered after suffering fatal injuries in a collision that also seriously injured her sister.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III, Massachusetts State Police were dispatched to Route 18 North in New Bedford at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Friday for a serious motor vehicle crash.  

First Responders arrived on Route 18 North, north of the Hillman Street on ramp in the City of New Bedford.  Snow was partially in the left lane leading up to the scene of the crash. 

The initial investigation has revealed that 23-year-old Ruby Alexandra Quiroa Santos was operating a 2020 Toyota Camry when her car became disabled in the left lane on Route 18 North.  A second vehicle, a 2018 Audi A4, with multiple occupants arrived on scene to assist Santos. Two New Bedford Police Ford Explorers, fully marked with lights engaged, also arrived on scene.  As Santos and a second female were walking to the Audi, a 2018 Honda Accord that was operating on Route 18 North, struck the two females outside of the vehicle along with the Audi and one of the marked police vehicles. 

All parties involved in the crash were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  Santos was pronounced deceased on Saturday.  The second female outside of the vehicle, Santos’ sister Selins, is in critical but stable condition. All other parties either suffered minor injuries or are expected to recover from any injuries sustained. 

Santos’ younger sister released a touching tribute through a GoFundMe fundraiser that has raised over $7,000 in an hour.

“Ruby was only 23 years old—a beautiful young woman with a radiant light and a heart full of love. She was the most caring, loving, hardworking, fearless, and God-fearing woman I have ever known. Her passion was working on cars, and she had big dreams of opening her own shop this year. Ruby lit up every room she entered and could make anyone laugh, always seeing the bright side in any dark situation. Her huge, contagious smile made every day better, and she carried my mother’s personality and heart—so welcoming and full of kindness.”

The investigation of the crash is being coordinated by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with the Massachusetts State Police.

No other information was released.