Tiverton woman killed in Somerset highway crash remembered for love of nature, caring for others

A local woman killed a multi-vehicle highway crash is being remembered.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III, at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Massachusetts State Police received an alert of a wrong way driver along with a series of 911 calls reporting a wrong way driver operating westbound on 195 East leading to a motor vehicle crash on 195 East in Somerset. 

Upon arrival, first responders located three vehicles involved in the crash. 

Two vehicles, who were determined to be operating in the correct direction of travel, each had one occupant that was transported from the scene for non-life-threatening injuries. 

The third vehicle, a white Toyota sedan, which was identified as the vehicle operating the wrong way, was occupied by 69-year-old Gail Lopes of Tiverton. 

Lopes was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased a short time later. 

According to an obituary, Lopes was born in Fall River and “dedicated her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in home health, where she touched the lives of many with her compassionate spirit. Gail was passionate about the beauty of nature, often finding serenity in long walks through the woods and along the beach, walking several miles a day.”

Her services are private.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is being coordinated by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with the Massachusetts State Police.