Springfield, MA – Two separate crashes in Springfield and West Springfield claimed the lives of four victims late last week, leaving communities in mourning. In both cases, the drivers initially fled the scene but were later apprehended and now face serious charges.
Aronde Odom Killed in Springfield Hit-and-Run
The first incident occurred on Thursday, March 27, when Aronde Odom, 30, of Fall River was fatally struck while walking his bike across the intersection of Parker and Verge Streets in Springfield’s Indian Orchard neighborhood.
According to the Springfield Police Department, officers responded to the crash around 5:15 p.m. and found a vehicle abandoned on the roadside with a bicycle tire lodged underneath. The driver, however, had fled the scene.
The following day, the suspect, Carlos Reyes, turned himself in to police and was later arraigned in Springfield District Court on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash. He is currently being held on $250,000 bail.
Odom was a beloved member of the Fall River skateboarding community. Friends and family described him as a joyful and positive presence, always spreading kindness.
“Aronde radiated positivity with an immense and infectious aura—his laugh and smile could instantly make your day better and brighter,” wrote Brandon Rose, a friend who launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover Odom’s funeral expenses. He added that Odom died doing what he loved, riding his fixed-gear bicycle.
Three Construction Workers Killed in West Springfield Highway Crash
Just hours later, a second tragedy struck in West Springfield.
At approximately 12:50 a.m. on Friday, March 28, a driver veered off the highway and struck three construction workers who were repairing a highway guardrail at the Exit 10A off-ramp of Interstate 91.
The Hampden County District Attorney’s Office identified the victims as:
- Igor Costa, 26, of Marlborough
- Ryan Almeida, 48, of Brockton
- Raul Bohorquez, 57, of Brockton
The suspect, Bilal Griffith, 29, of West Springfield, allegedly fled on foot after the crash but was later arrested in a nearby neighborhood.
Griffith was arraigned in Springfield District Court on three counts of manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of a fatal crash. He is being held on $1 million cash bail and is scheduled for a bail hearing on April 2.
Remembering the Victims
The deaths of Costa, Almeida, and Bohorquez have left their families shattered.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by Costa’s family describes him as “a family man who brought immeasurable love and light into our lives.” His family is seeking to raise $25,000 to transport his body to Brazil, where his grandparents and extended relatives live.
Another GoFundMe campaign was created for Ryan Almeida, who is survived by his wife, five children, and three grandchildren. His family called him “an amazing, kindhearted, and hardworking man, always willing to help whoever needed it.”
Ongoing Investigations
Both cases remain under investigation as authorities work to piece together the circumstances leading to these tragic crashes. Officials continue to urge drivers to prioritize safety and responsibility, emphasizing the devastating consequences of reckless and negligent driving.
As the Springfield and West Springfield communities come together in mourning, loved ones of the victims are left grappling with an immeasurable loss, remembering those who were taken too soon.