Bristol County native, accomplished grappler and wrestler, dies at 29 in violent crash

NORWOOD — A 29-year-old male driver who was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Route 1 in Norwood Wednesday morning is being remembered.

The crash occurred shortly before 8:00 a.m. near Pendergast Circle, prompting the closure of Route 1 in both directions from Dean Street to Neponset Street. The roadway was fully reopened shortly after 11:00 a.m.

Norwood man Henry Oberlander, formerly on Mansfield, died from injuries sustained in the wreck. The driver of the second vehicle, a 47-year-old man, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial investigation indicates the crash involved a white Sprinter van and a gray SUV. Witnesses reported that one vehicle appeared to drive through the Pendergast Circle rotary and onto the highway before the collision occurred. Debris was scattered across both sides of the roadway.

Oberlander was a standout wrestler at Bridgewater State University and regarded as a skilled grappler competing in events including those at Cage Titans. He was a fixture at Connors Martial Arts Academy where the owner took to social media to honor Oberlander.

State Police detectives assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, with assistance from Norwood Police and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also responded to the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Norwood Police at (781) 762-1212.