Assonet woman killed in weekend highway crash remembered as someone who had zest for life

Officials are investigating a fatal crash along Route 140 North in New Bedford, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, 45-year-old Joy Swartzendruber of Assonet had pulled her Toyota Avalon over in the shoulder of the two-lane highway and, for reasons unknown at this time, she appeared to have been outside her vehicle along the driver’s side.

At the same time, a Ford F-150 being driven by a 50-year-old New Bedford man, appears to have sideswiped the rear driver’s side of the Toyota and struck the victim. The victim was declared deceased by first responders on scene.

The driver of the Ford F-150 remained on scene, was cooperative with police, and was not under the influence. His vehicle was seized for further examination. He is not presently under arrest.

Family and friends are dealing with the shock of Swartzendruber’s sudden passing. Those who knew her described her as the life of the party who had a zest for life and someone who will be greatly missed by her friends and loved ones.

According to Dighton Police, Joy served with the DPD as both a Reserve Police Officer and Communications Dispatcher for many years.

Members of the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section will conduct a full accident reconstruction investigation before any final determinations are made on potential criminal charges.