FALMOUTH, MA – The police in Falmouth have identified the victim in an accident involving a car plunging into the ocean on February 20, NBC10 Boston reported.
“Falmouth police say James A. Koshivos, 21, of Grafton, was the victim who crashed over an embankment and plunged into the ocean Sunday off Menauhant Beach at the intersection of Central Avenue and Menauhant Road,” NBC10 reported, adding that “Falmouth first responders were called to the intersection of Central Avenue and Menauhant Road after someone spotted Koshivos’ car in the water around 9:30 AM, unsure of how long it had been there. Falmouth firefighters recovered Koshivos’ body from his car, state police said.”
“According to state and local police, a preliminary investigation reveals Koshivos was likely speeding while traveling south on Central Avenue before dawn when he failed to stop at a stop sign,” NBC10 reported, noting that “he then crossed over Menauhant Road, crashed over an embankment, passing over Menauhant Beach and plunging into the ocean, with his vehicle ultimately landing in the water on its roof.”
“The Massachusetts State Police dive team was called to the scene Sunday for the submerged vehicle,” NBC10 reported, adding that “State police divers went into the water around noon, at which time Koshivos’ car was 15-20 feet from shore and in about 5 feet of water.”
Police said that “the tide had been higher when the car went into the water several hours earlier,” NBC10 reported, pointing out that “video from the scene showed Koshivos’ car had been successfully hitched and towed out of the water later Sunday.”
Local residents “were shocked by the fatal incident,” NBC10 reported, adding that “the intersection where the crash happened is known for its sharp turn.”
“Growing up in the town you know at the end of Central it turns to the right, you know to slow down because there is water,” Jared Bianchi told NBC10. “And I don’t think this person knew that or was from around here and slowed down. It’s sad you know.”
Biachi added that “he has lived in the area for 21 years and he’s never seen anyone crash their car into the water,” NBC10 reported.
“Video from the scene shows one yellow arrow sign posted in the sand, directing drivers to turn right from Central Avenue onto Menauhant Road,” NBC10 reported.
“We’ve seen other accidents in that same location,” Falmouth resident Jim Thomas told NBC10. “It’s a long straight roadway. So terrible.”
Massachusetts State Police “referred any inquiries about Koshivos to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office,” NBC10 reported, adding that “the crash remains under investigation by the Falmouth Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police collision analysis and reconstruction section.”
“Koshivos was a 2018 graduate of St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury and a member of the school’s crew team,” the Telegram & Gazette reported, noting that “he attended Bryant University in Rhode Island.”
Koshivos was a finance major and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity according to a statement by Bryant University President Ross Gittell who added: “Our hearts go out to his family and friends, including the brothers of Sigma Chi, during this difficult time,” Boston.com reported.