Officials release name of victim killed in Route 44 crash that injured 4 others

Officials have released the name Monday of the victim in a fatal crash on Route 44.

According to police, rescuers responded just after 2:15 a.m. Wednesday to the intersection of Route 44 and Paramount Drive between Walmart and the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Raynham.

Upon arrival, police officers and firefighters found that a Ram pickup truck had left the roadway and crashed into a traffic light pole.

Five people were trapped inside the pickup truck. Firefighters, including mutual aid from the Taunton and Lakeville Fire Departments, performed a delicate extrication process over several minutes using hydraulic rescue and cutting tools.

28-year-old Matthew Higgins of Middleboro was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional men and two women were rescued from the crash and transported by ambulance to various hospitals, all with serious injuries.

Those who knew Matt described him as one of the kindest, friendly, and funny people you could meet. He was also known to be a cornhole enthusiast.

Following Cremation, A Memorial Gathering will be held for Higgins in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 17 Main St., (Rt105) Lakeville on Saturday, December 17th from 12:00PM-4:00PM.

The crash is under investigation by the Raynham Police and Fire Departments and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.