More details released in Westport motorcycle crash that killed Fall River man

Westport police have issued an update on the fatal motorcycle crash from this past weekend.

According to Detective Sergeant Christopher Dunn, on July 6, at approximately 8:55 a.m., the Westport Police Department received a call from a witness regarding a serious motor vehicle accident involving a motor vehicle and motorcycle at the intersection of American Legion Highway (Rte. 177) and Gifford Road.

The motorcyclist was treated at the scene, and transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries he sustained as a result of the crash. The operator was identified as Paul LaFrance, 28, of Fall River. MA State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County DA’s Office along with the State Police Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Unit responded to assist Westport Police in the investigation.

Preliminary investigation by Officer Scott Davis revealed LaFrance was operating a stolen motorcycle which was reported on July 5 out of Somerset. Speaking with witnesses and other motorists it is believed LaFrance was operating west at a high rate of speed on American Legion Highway approaching the intersection of Gifford Road. When the motorcycle collided with a motor vehicle heading South through the intersection.

The motorcycle was a 2012 Suzuki GSXR. The other vehicle involved, a 2013 Hyundai sustained front end damage. All vehicles were towed away from the scene.

This is the second fatality in the past two weeks on American Legion Highway involving a motorcycle. The Westport Police urge drivers to keep in mind that during the summer months there will be an increase of motorcycles traveling on the roadways and to check not only your mirrors but turn around and check the blind spot.