NORTHBRIDGE — A tragic single-vehicle crash on Monday evening claimed the life of a 21-year-old man, leaving the Northbridge community in mourning. The fatal collision occurred on Main Street just before nightfall, ending a young life and prompting renewed concerns about speed and impaired driving.

According to Northbridge police, the crash happened around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, near the intersection of Main Street and North Main Street. Officers responding to the scene found a severely damaged vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a tree with significant force. Emergency crews immediately began life-saving efforts, but the driver’s injuries proved fatal.

Police identified the victim as Zachary Dawe, 21, of Northbridge. Investigators said Dawe was driving at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off the roadway before slamming into a tree along Main Street. Due to the force of the impact, Dawe was ejected from the vehicle, a factor that often leads to devastating injuries in serious crashes.

Dawe was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Authorities have also cited alcohol as a contributing factor in the crash. While officials have not released further details about toxicology results or whether a seat belt was in use, they emphasized that speed and impairment played critical roles in the deadly outcome.

The crash remains under active investigation as officers work to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Investigators are reviewing physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage and roadway conditions, to better understand how the crash unfolded. Police have not indicated that any other vehicles were involved.

The loss of a young life has deeply affected the Northbridge community. Friends, family members, and neighbors are remembering Zachary Dawe as they come to terms with the sudden tragedy. Authorities are using the incident as a sobering reminder of the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence, especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced. Police continue to urge drivers to slow down, make responsible choices, and understand that a single decision behind the wheel can have irreversible consequences.