The community of Mansfield is mourning the tragic loss of 43-year-old Chad Askew, whose life was cut short in a devastating crash early Wednesday morning. The fatal accident happened along Interstate 95 in nearby Attleboro, leaving friends, family, and members of the local music community heartbroken. Although authorities have not officially released the victim’s name, loved ones have identified Askew as the man who died in the crash. Those who knew him remember him as a kind, creative person with a deep passion for music and a friendly spirit that made a lasting impression on many people.
According to police and fire officials, the crash occurred at around 5:20 a.m. on Interstate 95 North near the weigh station, just before Exit 4 and Route 123. Authorities say Askew was driving a sedan and was believed to be heading home when his vehicle collided with the back of a tractor-trailer parked in the breakdown lane of the highway. The impact caused severe damage to the car and quickly turned the quiet early morning into a tragic emergency scene.
Investigators said two tractor-trailers were stopped on the side of the road at the time of the crash. One of the trucks had reportedly pulled over to help another that had become stuck in a snowbank due to the icy roadside conditions. During this situation, Askew’s vehicle struck the rear of one of the trucks and became lodged underneath the trailer. The force of the collision caused major damage and left the car trapped beneath the large vehicle.
In the moments after the crash, a passerby who happened to be a nurse stopped to help. Demonstrating remarkable courage and compassion, she pulled Askew from the wreckage and immediately began performing CPR while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Her quick action gave him a chance at survival during those critical moments.
Emergency crews rushed Askew to Sturdy Memorial Hospital with severe injuries. Despite the determined efforts of the nurse and first responders, he was later pronounced dead. His sudden passing has left many people in shock, especially those in the local music scene who knew him as a talented and passionate individual.
State police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are also searching for a man who reportedly fled the scene and was described as wearing shorts and boots. Alerts were sent to surrounding law enforcement agencies to watch for a white tractor-trailer cab believed to have headed north toward Interstate 495. The crash also caused major traffic delays for hours as icy roads and heavy fog created dangerous driving conditions across the region.
