In Loving Memory of Joel Costa and Jonathan Welch

With heavy hearts, we remember Joel Costa, 29, of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, and Jonathan Welch, 44, of Norton, Massachusetts, whose lives were tragically lost following a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Route 295 in Cumberland, Rhode Island, on August 20, 2026.

According to the Rhode Island State Police, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 3:31 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported a serious multi-vehicle rollover crash on Route 295 North near the Mendon Road overpass.

When troopers arrived, they found a Dodge Ram 1500, a Hyundai Ioniq, and an Acura ADX involved in the crash. The Dodge was resting on its passenger side, while the Hyundai had come to rest several feet away. The Acura, which was in the right breakdown lane, sustained minor damage.

Both Joel and Jonathan were trapped inside their respective vehicles. The Hyundai, which was an electric vehicle, had begun to smolder, and firefighters and rescue personnel worked quickly to remove both drivers from their vehicles before the Hyundai became fully engulfed in flames.

Investigators said witnesses reported that the Hyundai had been traveling recklessly, allegedly speeding and overtaking other vehicles, including traveling through the grassy median on the southbound side of Route 295. Evidence at the scene indicated that the Hyundai veered into the median, struck the center guardrail, and entered the northbound lanes.

The Hyundai then collided head-on with the Dodge Ram operated by Jonathan Welch. The force of the collision caused the Dodge to rotate and roll onto its passenger side. The vehicles ultimately came to rest in the left lane, with the Acura also being sideswiped during the crash.

Joel Costa was pronounced dead at the scene. Jonathan Welch was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment but sadly succumbed to his injuries later.

The Rhode Island State Police reported that neither driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, although initial information indicates that speed and loss of control by the Hyundai operator were the primary contributing factors.

Behind every traffic collision are lives that can never be replaced and families whose lives are changed forever. Joel and Jonathan were more than names in a police report. They were sons, relatives, friends, coworkers, and valued members of their communities. Their absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved them.

For Joel’s loved ones in Hyde Park and Jonathan’s family and friends in Norton, the days ahead will undoubtedly bring difficult moments of grief and remembrance. Losing someone unexpectedly can leave behind countless memories, unanswered questions, and a profound sense of emptiness.

May those who knew Joel remember him for the life he lived, the memories he created, and the moments he shared with those around him. May Jonathan’s loved ones likewise find comfort in the memories, stories, and meaningful moments that will continue to keep his presence alive in their hearts.

This tragedy is also a solemn reminder of how quickly circumstances on the road can change. A moment of speed, a loss of control, or a collision can have consequences that extend far beyond the roadway, affecting families and entire communities.

As the investigation continues, may compassion and respect surround the families of both men. May they be given strength as they navigate the difficult days ahead, and may the memories of Joel Costa and Jonathan Welch remain a source of comfort rather than only sorrow.

In loving memory of Joel Costa, 29, and Jonathan Welch, 44.

May they both be remembered with dignity, compassion, and love. May their families find strength in one another, and may the memories they created with their loved ones remain forever cherished.

Rest peacefully, Joel and Jonathan. Your lives mattered, your memories will endure, and you will not be forgotten.