Body found in search for Fall River man believed to eject in Taunton River

Massachusetts State Police Troopers today continued to search for a motorcycle operator who was believed to be ejected into the Taunton River from a Veterans Memorial Bridge ramp in Fall River early yesterday morning and a body has now been found.

According to Dave Procopio of the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Underwater Recovery Team for the second consecutive day searched the river, which flows southward from Fall River, across the Rhode Island line, and into Mt. Hope Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The person whom they believe was riding the 2020 Kawasaki Z125 Pro is a 35-year-old Fall River man.

Members of the State Police URT ( also known as the Dive Team) and the State Police Marine Unit searched yesterday and recovered articles of clothing. The Dive Team and Marine Unit returned to the area this morning and searched into the afternoon.

Fall River Police, Somerset Police, and the US Coast Guard have assisted in the search.

A body washed up on the shore about 1.5 miles downriver from the area that was searched by the Dive Team today. It is believed — although not yet confirmed — that the body is that of the motorcycle operator. The body was found in the area of Riverview Drive.

At 12:26 AM Sunday Troopers from the State Police-Dartmouth Barracks responded to a call reporting a motorcycle in the middle of the roadway on the ramp from the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge (Route 6 eastbound) to Route 79 southbound. Investigation by responding Troopers led to the determination that the motorcycle operator likely was thrown over an embankment from the impact of the crash and fell into the water below.

Body recovered in Taunton River is Fall River man, family, friends, remember “heart of gold”