The tragic incident that occurred on Christmas night on the Veterans Memorial Bridge between Somerset and Fall River has left a family devastated and seeking justice. The wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by Carl Rebello and Lisa Arruda-Graham represents the estates of Floriano Arruda, Donna Arruda, and Jacoby Arruda, who lost their lives in a head-on collision with a Range Rover SUV driven by Adam Gauthier. The lawsuit seeks damages for the wrongful deaths of all three family members, although the specific amount is not disclosed.
The Arruda family’s lives were cut short in a horrific accident that took place when Gauthier, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, drove his vehicle the wrong way on the bridge. Jacoby Arruda tragically passed away that night at Charlton Memorial Hospital, followed by his grandfather the next day at Rhode Island Hospital, and his grandmother a few days later on December 29th.
Adam Gauthier, the driver of the Range Rover, faced charges of manslaughter while operating under the influence and other related charges. Despite suffering non-life-threatening injuries, he was arraigned from his hospital bed at New Bedford’s St. Luke’s Hospital and is currently out on $100,000 cash bail, with his criminal case pending.
Rebello, the son of Donna Arruda, and Arruda-Graham, the daughter of Floriano Arruda, are seeking justice for their loved ones through the civil lawsuit. They allege that Gauthier was served alcohol at the home of Margaret R. Souza in Somerset before the fatal crash occurred. The lawsuit accuses Souza of violating social host liability ordinances by serving alcohol to Gauthier when she knew or should have known that he was intoxicated and would be operating a motor vehicle.
Additionally, the lawsuit names GoRealCar Inc. of New York as a defendant, as Gauthier used their service to rent the 2023 Range Rover involved in the collision. The suit cites a Massachusetts law that holds the owner and registrant of a vehicle legally liable in cases of injury or death resulting from a collision.
In response to the allegations, Souza has denied knowing that Gauthier was allegedly drunk and intending to drive. She admits that Gauthier consumed alcoholic beverages at her home during a family holiday gathering but disputes the claim that she was aware of his state or intentions. The case is currently pending, with a request for a jury trial.
The devastating loss of the Arruda family has sparked a legal battle for accountability and justice. As the civil suit unfolds, the hope for closure and a sense of justice for the grieving family remains at the forefront. The outcome of this case will not only bring closure to the loved ones left behind but also serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible actions and accountability in preventing such tragic incidents in the future.