Rockland father, 34, dies in Bridgewater crash. What we know about the fatal accident

BRIDGEWATER − Police have identified a man who died in a single-vehicle crash on Auburn Street on Sunday night as a 34-year-old Rockland man.

Bridgewater police and firefighters received a 911 call about 10:50 p.m. on Jan. 7 for a report of a vehicle that had crashed into a tree in the area of 46 Auburn St.

When they arrived at the scene, first responders located a 2006 Chevy Avalanche up against a tree with significant damage, according to a joint written statement from Police Chief Christopher Delmonte and Acting Fire Chief John Schlatz. Firefighters immediately began working to remove the driver from the vehicle and rendered first aid, officials said.

The driver and sole occupant, Linneaus Gitonga, 34, of Rockland, was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement says.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the Chevy Avalanche was traveling east on Auburn Street at "a high rate of speed and veered off the roadway," the statement says.

"It struck a parked and unoccupied pickup truck, then the tree," the chiefs wrote.

Auburn Street was closed between Flagg and Laurel Streets during the investigation and reopened at 3:15 a.m., officials said.

According to his obituary, Gitonga, affectionately known as Lin, leaved behind a wife and daughter.

“Lin will always be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering dedication to his family, and the warmth he brought to all those around him,” his obituary reads. “His presence in our lives was a blessing, and his loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts.”

The crash remains under investigation by Bridgewater police detectives, assisted by the Taunton Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team, and the Plymouth County Sherriff's Department's Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Enterprise staff writer Amelia Stern contributed to this report. Enterprise staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.