New Bedford man charged, Fall River man dead, another injured after motorcycle crash on Route 24

A Fall River man is dead, and another is injured after a crash involving a car and two motorcycles.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 2:30 a.m. today, Troopers from State Police-Middleborough Barracks responded to a crash involving a 2014 Lexus Sedan and two motorcycles on Route 24 southbound in Taunton. The crash resulted in fatal injuries to the operator of the first motorcycle, and critical injuries to the operator of the second motorcycle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Lexus, 35-year-old Fred Moreira of New Bedford, was operating under the influence of an intoxicating liquor. Moreira was placed under arrest at the scene. The Lexus struck two motorcycles causing both operators to be thrown from their bikes, one man being sent into the trees on the side of the highway.

The first motorcycle, a 2007 Yamaha R1 was being operated by 30-year-old Tyler Moniz of Fall River when it was struck and he was ejected from the motorcycle into the woodline. The man was pronounced dead on scene.

The second motorcycle, a 2001 Yamaha V-Star 1100 was being operated by a 39-year-old Fall River man who suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital.

Condolences began to pour in late Saturday morning for Moniz who was described by many friends as one of the nicest people they had ever met and that he had a heart of gold. A soul gone way too soon.

The investigation into the crash is being conducted by the State Police-Middleborough Barracks, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Detective Unit for Bristol County. Troopers were assisted on scene by MassDOT and The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. All lanes in the area of the crash were reopened at 5:50 a.m.

Moreira will be arraigned at Taunton District court to face charges of Vehicular Homicide, Operating Under The Influence Of Liquor, and Negligent Operation Of A Motor Vehicle.