Tragic Crash on Massachusetts Highway Claims Lives of Two Teenagers

DARTMOUTH, MA — July 27, 2025 — A heartbreaking car crash early Sunday morning has left two families shattered and two communities mourning the sudden loss of 19-year-old Kevin Dos Santos Lopes, of New Bedford, and 18-year-old Amilton De Pina Semedo, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

The tragic accident happened just before the Reed Road exit on the highway. Investigators say the vehicle the two teens were in was traveling at high speed when it suddenly veered off the road, rolled multiple times, and violently crashed. The impact was so severe that both Kevin and Amilton were ejected from the car. When emergency crews arrived, they found the two young men unresponsive. Despite immediate efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities believe neither teen was wearing a seatbelt — a factor they say likely contributed to the fatal outcome.

For those who knew them, the grief is unimaginable. Kevin and Amilton were more than friends — they were like brothers. They had grown close through shared experiences and a deep connection to their Cape Verdean roots. They were often seen together at community events, cookouts, and local gatherings — always smiling, always joking, always full of life.

Kevin was known in New Bedford as a bright, charismatic young man who loved music and had a gift for lighting up a room. He had recently graduated high school and was figuring out his next steps in life. Amilton, from Pawtucket, had just turned 18 and had similar dreams — his friends say he talked often about working hard, building something for himself, and one day helping his family live better.

Now, their future stories have been stolen in an instant.

“It doesn’t feel real,” said a friend who had grown up with both of them. “They had so much ahead of them. One moment they were here, and the next… they’re just gone.”

In the hours following the crash, social media flooded with photos, videos, and emotional messages. Friends and loved ones shared stories of laughter, loyalty, and unforgettable memories. Posts echoed a common sentiment: “Gone too soon.”

Vigils are already being planned in both cities. In New Bedford, community members are gathering to light candles and release balloons in Kevin’s honor. In Pawtucket, Amilton’s friends are organizing a similar event, inviting the public to come together in remembrance and prayer.

As the Massachusetts State Police continue to investigate, they urge the public — especially young drivers — to remember the importance of seatbelts and safe driving habits. Speeding, no matter how momentary, can have lifelong consequences.

This crash is still under review, with toxicology results pending and no official word yet on who was behind the wheel.

But amid the investigation, the heartbreak remains the same: two young men are gone. Two families are in mourning. And two cities are left with a void that no words can fill.

“They were always together in life,” said a relative through tears. “Now, they’re together in heaven. But this pain… it’s too deep.”

As the communities of New Bedford and Pawtucket come together in shared sorrow, one thing is certain: Kevin and Amilton will never be forgotten.