Brother issues update on condition of Swansea man seriously injured in crash, fundraiser created

The brother of a Swansea man seriously injured in a crash on Thursday has issued an update on his condition and how the public can help.

Josh Tucker, brother of 20-year-old Tristan Tucker, has given some insight on how he is doing through a GoFundMe fundraiser for expenses.

“Upon arriving at the hospital, the nurses acted quickly; one noticed something off and called for an immediate brain scan. This revealed a brain bleed in the back of his head. Neurology stepped in and took over. Tristan’s brain was swelling too much, and they needed to act fast, so they removed half of his skull to alleviate pressure. Within the next few hours, his brain stopped swelling! His left femur is broken, his left forearm shattered, right ankle is broken, and his face is badly swollen. Tristan is in an induced coma for less brain stimulation but is responding to family talking. So much so that they had to up his meds so his brain can heal. All great signs but a very, very long road ahead.”

Josh also touched on the type of person his brother is.

“He is the most caring and kindhearted soul you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. His intelligence with computers and all-around love of tech has pushed him to pursue a career in the field, currently taking classes at MTTI for computers and networking, with dreams of furthering his education in the cybersecurity field. In addition to his passion for all things tech, he adores the time spent with his girlfriend, Maya. He has a deep affection for the outdoors, a keen eye for photography, a love for all things related to video games, a fond devotion for hanging out with his friends and being a shoulder to lean on. Additionally, he shares a tender bond with his coworkers at Five Guys and has a passion for helping people, often putting aside his own life for strangers he barely knows. Tristan is a Christian and goes to Grace Mountain Church of God with his family every Sunday.”

Chief Marc Haslam reported that the Swansea Police Department made an arrest related to the crash on Swansea Mall Drive.

53-year-old Timothy Couturier of Swansea was charged with Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (Serious Bodily Injury and Negligent Operation), Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Marked Lanes Violation, Failure to Notify RMV of Name/Address Change, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, and State Highway – Wrong Way (Vehicle Operation).

At just before 8:00 p.m., crews were dispatched to the scene of a crash near 147 Swansea Mall Drive (Route 118).

According to a preliminary investigation, a vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Swansea Mall Drive and then struck another vehicle head-on. It was later determined that Couturier was the operator of the wrong-way vehicle. Swansea firefighters used hydraulic tools to extricate Couturier from his vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital.

Swansea police officers pulled Tucker from his on-fire car.

Couturier was arraigned Friday at his bed at a Providence hospital. He also faces a Fugitive from Justice charge in Rhode Island, as is protocol. He waived extradition to Massachusetts to face charges related to the crash.