A 22-year-old college student in Massachusetts has died following a crash on Route 9 in Natick, according to university and law enforcement officials. Framingham State University President Nancy Niemi shared the news in a letter to the campus community Monday, confirming that junior Wilmani Josiah Castillo passed away in a car accident earlier that morning.
Castillo was a business management major and a first-generation college student. In her message, President Niemi described him as a valued member of the university community whose loss is being deeply felt by family, friends, classmates, faculty, and staff.
“Moments like this are heartbreaking,” Niemi wrote, expressing condolences and support for those affected.
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office confirmed it is investigating the crash, which occurred early Monday on Worcester Street (Route 9).
According to an initial investigation, the 22-year-old driver was traveling along Route 9 when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Authorities said he was transported to Framingham Union Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Officials confirmed he was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Investigators have not yet released information regarding what may have caused the vehicle to leave the road. The crash remains under review by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and local authorities.
In response to the tragedy, Framingham State University has made counseling and support services available to students, faculty, and staff. President Niemi emphasized that no one should feel they have to navigate grief alone.
Students may access support through the university’s counseling services, while faculty and staff are encouraged to use the institution’s employee assistance program. Residence life and student affairs teams are also providing outreach and assistance, particularly to those who lived or studied closely with Castillo.
“As a community, we mourn together,” Niemi shared in her letter. She encouraged members of the university to extend compassion to one another and to lean on available support systems during this difficult time.
University officials said additional information, including possible opportunities to honor Castillo’s memory, will be shared when appropriate.
The loss of a young student has left a profound impact on the campus community. As the investigation continues, university leaders and local authorities are focused on supporting those affected while working to better understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Community members are encouraged to follow updates from official sources and to respect the privacy of Castillo’s family during this period of mourning.
