57-year-old Massachusetts DOT worker killed while on the job remembered for dedication to community

A Massachusetts man who died Saturday in a pedestrian collision is being remembered.

According to Tim McGuirk Interim Director of Media Relations for Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday, a vehicle struck a MassDOT worker who was picking up debris outside of their vehicle near Exit 28B (Route 106) on Route 24 northbound. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

Massachusetts State Police personnel responded to the scene from Troop D, the Plymouth County State Police Detective Unit, the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section, and the Crime Scene Services Section.

The vehicle that struck the worker remained on scene. 

According to Plymouth County DA Timothy Cruz, 57-year-old David Sousa of Stoughton was picking up debris in the roadway.

The members of Stoughton Firefighters Local 1512 issued a statement regarding Sousa’s passing.

“(We) are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of lifelong resident and strong supporter of Stoughton Fire, David “Spanky” Sousa. From playing Santa for parades and at our Christmas parties, being chair of the Select Board, and always advocating for public safety, he will certainly not be forgotten. Spanky was truly one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We offer our sincerest condolences. Spanky has truly left his mark not only on our department, but on the entire town of Stoughton, and he will be missed by us all.”

Sousa won re-election to the Board in April 2017 before losing in a recall election in December of 2017 over a dispute of removing the town manager.

“Spanky” was a popular figure in town and was being remembered as a great guy, who loved Stoughton and its residents.

 State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver also issued a statement.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to the Sousa family and all who knew him. He worked for MassDOT in the Highway Division and was dedicated to service, working for several districts offices as a foreman. He was also a former Select Board chair in the town of Stoughton. He will be missed dearly.” 

The collision remains under investigation by the Plymouth County State Police Detectives Unit.