Taunton River Crash Kills One; Search Continues for Second Occupant

Alec Ardita, 24, of Taunton, was found dead inside a submerged white Nissan after it went into the Three Mile River from Winthrop Street, officials said. A second occupant believed to have been in the car had not been found as of Tuesday morning.

A 911 caller told police the car was traveling at high speed near North Walker and Winthrop streets shortly before the crash. It hit a utility pole and guardrail before veering off the road and entering the river at about 10:15 p.m. Monday.

First responders found the car in the water and recovered Ardita, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not said who was driving.

A water search for the second person was suspended overnight because conditions worsened. Divers were expected to return Tuesday morning. State and local police are investigating the crash; officials have not announced its cause.