Robert Gauthier Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the bicyclist who was killed in a collision earlier this week in Bellingham, Massachusetts. The victim has been identified as 60-year-old Robert Gauthier of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
According to police reports, the fatal incident occurred on Monday, June 9, shortly before 12:45 p.m. Gauthier was riding his bicycle along South Main Street (Route 126), near the address of 120 South Main St., when he was struck by a vehicle. Bellingham Police responded to the scene promptly at approximately 12:44 p.m. following the report of a serious crash involving a bicyclist and a motor vehicle.
Emergency medical responders arrived and transported Gauthier to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police have identified the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash as a juvenile from Sutton, Massachusetts. Due to the driver’s age, authorities have not released the teen’s name. However, officials confirmed that the teen remained at the scene after the crash and was later taken to Milford Regional Medical Center to receive medical treatment for undisclosed injuries or evaluations.
Following an investigation, the juvenile was charged with motor vehicle homicide and driving to endanger. Additional citations issued include failure to move over for a bicyclist and a marked-lanes violation. These charges indicate that police believe the teen’s driving behavior was reckless or negligent, ultimately leading to the fatal outcome.
The accused juvenile will be summoned to appear in juvenile court. Because of legal protections involving minors, proceedings in juvenile court are not open to the public, and further details about the case, including sentencing or hearings, may remain confidential.
The crash has sparked concern among residents and cycling advocates, highlighting ongoing safety challenges for bicyclists on busy roadways like Route 126. Advocates often stress the importance of driver awareness, adherence to traffic laws designed to protect cyclists, and the need for clearer infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes.
Robert Gauthier’s death marks a somber moment for both the Woonsocket and Bellingham communities, and tributes have begun to surface from those who knew him. As police continue their investigation, they are urging all motorists to exercise caution, especially when sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians.
Authorities have not released further details about the ongoing investigation but reiterated their commitment to holding accountable those responsible for dangerous driving. Anyone with additional information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Bellingham Police Department.