36-year-old Massachusetts man killed in highway crash leaves behind young daughter, worked with troubled youth, adults

A Massachusetts man who died from injuries sustained in a highway crash has been identified and is being remembered by his loved ones.

According to Fire Chief/Paramedic Jon Belanger, at just before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nashoba Valley Regional District Dispatch received an open 911 transfer from the State Police reporting a motor vehicle crash in the area of mile marker 104.9–106.3 eastbound on Route 2 in Lancaster. There was initially no voice or response on contact, and multiple Massachusetts State Police units were already in route.

Deputy Aldrich (17C2) responded along with Lancaster A2. Lancaster Engine 2 (E2) responded with four personnel, including Deputy Gordon (17C1) and Lieutenant Granger (17C4). Bolton Paramedics (Medic 7) were also dispatched due to the unknown nature of the incident.

NVRDD subsequently received an additional call reporting that more than one vehicle may be involved. An injured party could also be heard speaking in the background of the initial transferred call. Route 2 eastbound was shut down in the area.

Deputy Aldrich arrived on scene and confirmed a multi-vehicle MVC. Lancaster A2 arrived shortly after, followed by E2. Crews conducted a rapid scene assessment and determined that two smaller SUVs had what appeared to be a head-on collision. A third vehicle traveling behind the initial collision appeared to have sideswiped one or both vehicles after the impact.

Lancaster Fire-EMS personnel located one unresponsive driver in one of the SUVs with life-threatening injuries. Two occupants in the second SUV sustained injuries believed to be serious but not immediately life-threatening. The third vehicle contained one patient with minor injuries.

Additional ambulances and a paramedic unit were requested. Responding units included Leominster Fire FM1 (paramedic unit), Sterling Fire ALS ambulance, Shirley Fire ambulance, and Devens Fire ambulance for initial patient transport.

Two patients were transported to UMass University Trauma Center in Worcester, MA. The unresponsive occupant of one SUV was transported to Leominster Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased due to the severity of his injuries. The fourth patient was transported to Leominster Hospital for further evaluation of minor injuries.

A family member of the deceased, who was not involved in the accident, later arrived on scene and required medical attention. Harvard Fire provided a mutual aid ambulance for transport to Leominster Hospital Emergency Department for evaluation.

36-year-old Brian Cotton of Templeton was the fatal victim in the crash, and he leaves behind a young daughter.

According to an obituary, “Brian spent his working career in Human Services, helping troubled youth and adults navigate through life’s difficulties. His most recent employment was with the Process Recovery Center in Nashua, NH where he worked as a clinician, chaired support meetings, and often spoke to groups of adults in recovery. He made a difference in many people’s lives. He was very active in sports in his youth; primarily baseball and hockey. He had a passion for music and was a very talented guitarist and songwriter.”

The family has established a UTMA custodial account for the benefit of Brian’s daughter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to this account to support her future. Donations may be made via check and directed as follows: 

Payee: National Financial Services 

Address: Longtide Financial Partners, 10 Forbes Road, Suite 440W, Braintree, MA 02184

Memo: FBO Jamie Cotton UTMA

A Funeral Mass for Brian will be held on Wednesday, April 1,2026, @ 10:00 a.m. in St. Edward The Confessor Church, 10 Church St. Westminster, MA. Interment will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Fitchburg MA.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the funeral home from 4:00 until 7 p.m.. All friends and relatives are welcome to attend.

The crash is still under investigation.