Joshua Mizula-Samson Obituary & Death Notice: Community Mourns the Loss of Hatfield Teen in Fatal Deerfield Crash
In an outpouring of love and solidarity, the Hatfield community and surrounding areas are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Joshua Mizula-Samson, a bright and compassionate 17-year-old whose life was tragically cut short on Sunday morning in a motor vehicle accident in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
Joshua, affectionately remembered as “Josh” by those who knew him, was driving along Greenfield Road when the vehicle he was operating overturned and collided with a fire hydrant, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s office. The crash occurred shortly before noon and caused significant traffic disruption in the area. A passenger in the vehicle, identified by family members as a close friend, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
As news of the tragedy spread, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Joshua’s family with funeral expenses and related costs. Within days, nearly $17,343 had been raised by 298 donors, a testament to the deep love and respect held for Joshua by the community. Contributions have ranged from heartfelt $5 donations to generous gifts of $500 — all reflecting a unified desire to stand beside a grieving family in their darkest hour.
Joshua was set to begin his senior year at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School this fall, where he was known not just for his academic commitment but for his genuine interest and talent in automotive technology. His mother, Ashley Mizula, spoke lovingly of her son during a phone interview on Tuesday, remembering him as “an exceptional young man with numerous friends.”
“I truly appreciate all the kind and heartfelt messages people have shared about him,” Ashley said. “He was sociable, brilliant with engines, and always willing to help his friends — whether it was fixing a lawnmower or working on their cars. I love him dearly, and I miss him.”
Friends and loved ones have created a memorial at the crash site, adorned with flowers, American flags, and handwritten notes etched into a nearby utility pole. These tokens of remembrance serve as a powerful symbol of the impact Joshua had on those around him — from classmates and teammates to neighbors and teachers. Many have described him as someone who could “figure anything out,” especially when it came to trucks or engines. His natural gift for mechanics and his desire to help others made him stand out not only in school but also in the community.
In response to Joshua’s untimely passing, Smith Vocational Superintendent Andrew Linkenhoker shared a message of support for the school community, acknowledging the emotional toll such a loss takes on both students and staff.
“The sorrow of losing a student is always challenging,” Linkenhoker said. “It is difficult on a personal level, recognizing the fragility of life, and it is equally challenging as an adult — we must support one another as the adults within the school community.”
To aid in the healing process, the school has made grief counselors available throughout the week, ensuring that those affected have access to emotional support as they navigate this painful time.
Joshua’s passing serves as a stark reminder of how precious and fragile life can be. He was more than a student or a mechanic-in-the-making — he was a son, a friend, a helper, and a beloved member of a tightly knit community that now mourns his absence.
In honoring his memory, many have pledged not only to support the Mizula-Samson family but also to keep Joshua’s passion, kindness, and spirit alive in their hearts and actions.
As funeral arrangements are made and tributes continue to pour in, Joshua Mizula-Samson’s legacy will undoubtedly endure — as a shining light lost far too soon, but remembered always with love, admiration, and sorrow.
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