Grove Street Crash Claims Second Victim

As posted on the SAFE Coalition Facebook page:

We would like to share, through the families wishes, that Minaben Patel, mother of sweet Krisha, has passed away.

Minaben’s family is again deeply thankful for all the love and support shared over the last week. They invite the community to honor this amazing Mother, Wife, Family Member and friend this Thursday for a service of remembrance.

The crash occurred around 6:30 pm, Saturday, May 24, near 76 Grove Street in Franklin claiming the life of a 5-year-old girl, Krisha Atulkumar Patel,  and now the girl's mother, Minaben. A brother has also been hospitalized while the father was treated and released. 

The 21-year-old driver of the other vehicle, a pickup truck, was identified by the Norfolk District Attorney's office as Franklin resident James N. Blanchard. 

Blanchard was initially held on half a million dollars bail and was arraigned on a slew of charges in Wrentham District Court on Tuesday. Those charges include motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently and under the influence of alcohol, three counts of operating under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with an open container of alcohol, and a marked lanes violation.

On Saturday, a memorial service was held in Taunton for Krisha.

Blanchard is due back in court in a few weeks.