Authorities confirmed that a 5-year-old girl died in a tragic car accident over the weekend. The close-knit Franklin neighborhood is still deeply sad. The young girl was badly hurt when her family’s sedan was hit by a pickup truck driven by someone who was thought to be drunk.
The accident took place on Grove Street just before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Michael Morrissey, the district attorney for Norfolk County, says that a pickup truck driven by 21-year-old James Blanchard of Franklin hit the family’s car. It’s sad that the girl died after being rushed to the hospital from her injuries. Both her mother and brother are still in critical condition at the hospital. Her father, who was driving, was treated and sent home.
The police have not said what the family members’ names or ages are, but they have confirmed that Blanchard was taken at the scene. He is being charged with many things, such as three counts of operating under the influence (OUI), motor vehicle murder while driving carelessly and drunk, and operating a vehicle with an open container. Blanchard is being held on $500,000 bail right now, and his hearing in Wrentham District Court is set for Tuesday.
Residents of Franklin have come together in the days since the crash to remember the little girl and comfort her family. Near the crash site on Monday, a memorial of flowers and words began to take shape. Rick Talamini, who has lived in the area for a long time, made a cross out of wood and put it near the scene.
Rick said, “As soon as I find out her name, I’ll paint it on there.” He agreed with the community’s wish to remember the girl.
Lisa Oxford and David Oxford also went to the site to pray and leave flowers. Lisa said, “It feels good to remember the sweet child.” “I hope that her family will feel better knowing that this community cares, and this is just a small way of saying sorry.”
David thought about how the crash will affect both families for a long time. A little voice said, “The poor girl never even got a chance to start her life.” “The driver is the same too.” This is what happens when people drink and drive, and we feel bad for everyone.
People in Franklin are telling each other about how dangerous it is to drive while impaired and how important it is to have community support during sad times. The main goal of the study is still to honor the girl’s life and help her family get better.
There are tools out there for you or someone you know who is having trouble with drugs. Don’t forget that every life is valuable and that every choice you make behind the wheel counts.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.“
