24-year-old Rhode Island man killed in pedestrian crash remembered as services announced

A Rhode Island man who died after injuries sustained in a vehicle versus pedestrian collision is being remembered.

According to Police Chief Matthew Benson, on Tuesday afternoon, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the Cumberland Police Department was alerted to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Mendon Road and Highland Corporate Drive where a pedestrian had been struck.

The pedestrian, later identified as 24-year-old Joseph Arribas from Cumberland, had been crossing Highland Corporate Drive in the area of the crosswalk when he was struck by an automobile travelling through the intersection from Route 99 onto Highland Corporate Drive. The driver in the crash remained on scene, as did a couple of witnesses to assist. 

Arribas was provided with medical aid by Cumberland Emergency Medical Services personnel and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. He later died at the hospital.

The driver of the motor vehicle was cooperative with Cumberland Police and did not require medical care while on scene.

Arribas’ family described the type of man he was.

“Joe was the kind of person that considered the entire world to be his friend. It never mattered what kind of person you were. He trusted everyone. He was a bit slow in school, he was put on an IEP in high school, but he was unashamedly himself. He always had these niche hobbies, every now and then he’d pick up some new hobby, like playing the melodica, learning how to do crazy pen spinning tricks, and using his freeline skates.”

Arribas’ funeral will be held on Wednesday October 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at St Joan of Arc Church in Cumberland RI.

The crash remains under investigation with Cumberland Police accident reconstruction officers and Detectives.