Bridgewater State University Freshman Fighting for Life After Violent Head-On Crash in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH — An 18-year-old Bridgewater State University freshman remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit following a violent head-on collision in West Plymouth.

Family members and organizers of an online community fundraising campaign have identified the victim as Dylan Rauch, a dedicated student and local musician who is currently receiving specialized critical care at a Boston trauma center.

Loved ones shared an emotional statement highlighting Rauch’s character and his enthusiasm for his recent transition to higher education:

“Dylan is a bright, loving young man with a huge heart and a deep passion for music, theatre, and the arts. He plays the flute and recently began his freshman year at Bridgewater State University, where he is studying music theory and was so excited to begin this new chapter of his life.”

Emergency Response and Scene Details

According to Plymouth Fire Chief Neil Foley and Police Chief Dana Flynn, local emergency dispatchers received 911 calls just after 11:45 a.m. on Thursday reporting a major motor vehicle collision. Police and fire crews rushed to the intersection of Plympton Road (Route 80) and Carver Road, situated near the West Plymouth Square shopping plaza.

First responders arrived to find that an SUV and a sedan had collided head-on. Rauch, who was operating the sedan, was heavily entrapped inside the wreckage. Firefighters utilized heavy hydraulic extrication tools to cut him free from the vehicle.

Brewster Ambulance paramedics transported Rauch to a designated landing zone at the Plymouth Municipal Airport. From there, a medical helicopter airlifted him directly to a Boston trauma center. The driver of the SUV, a 17-year-old female, sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for medical evaluation.

Sequence Leading to the Collision

Investigators piecing together the timeline determined that the incident unfolded prior to the crash when Kingston Police responded to a family-requested well-being check involving the 17-year-old driver. During the check, the teenager initially fled the scene on foot.

Authorities report that she subsequently gained access to a family member’s vehicle and began driving erratically, prompting law enforcement to initiate a brief pursuit. Officers chose to terminate the active pursuit shortly afterward out of concern for public safety. A short time later, emergency channels received reports that the same vehicle had crossed paths with Rauch’s sedan on Plympton Road, resulting in the high-impact head-on crash.

University officials released a brief statement expressing solidarity with the victim’s family, noting that the campus community’s thoughts are with Rauch during this critical time. The violent crash and the preceding events remain under an active investigation by the Plymouth Police Department.