New Bedford woman with Worcester area ties being remembered after fatal crash

A 28-year-old New Bedford woman who died Friday evening as a result of a motor vehicle crash on Route 140 South in New Bedford is being remembered.

According to Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, State Police responded to 911 calls just before 5:15 p.m. Friday in regard to a multiple-vehicle crash just prior to exit 3 on Route 140.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that Julia Carolina Luiz DeSouza was operating a Toyota Camry when it apparently became disabled in the left lane. Luiz was outside of her vehicle in the roadway when a 63-year-old New Bedford man driving a Toyota Rav4 struck Luiz’s disabled vehicle.

Moments later, a Toyota Camry being operated by a 58-year-old Rochester man also struck DeSouza’s disabled vehicle.

According to those who knew her, DeSouza loved dancing, painting, cooking, traveling, and baking cakes and bread. She is formerly of Shrewsbury and recently married in May of 2023. DeSouza worked at ABS Behavioral Health Services in Worcester and was also a member of Mt. Zion Christian Church in Grafton where she tapped into her love of dance for the church’s dance ministry.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 4-8:00 p.m. in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester and again on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 8-11:00 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11:00 am in Mt. Zion Christian Church, 53 North Main Street, North Grafton, MA. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.

The investigation into the incident is active and ongoing. No criminal charges have been filed and none of the other drivers were seriously injured in the crash.