Victim of Horrific Cranston Crash is Identified

CRANSTON, RI—Police have identified the man who died after a horrific car crash on Pontiac Avenue earlier this month as Joseph Lacey, 27, of Providence.

A 2007 graduate of Cranston High School West, Lacey died as a result of "thermal injuries sustained during the crash and subsequent fire," according to Cranston Police Major Todd Patalano.

Lacey was driving upwards of 90 mph when he lost control and crashed into a traffic signal pole and a cement block wall, police said. His vehicle, a 2004 GMC Envoy, burst into flames and was fully engulfed.

First responding police officers tried in vain to get Lacey out of the car but were pushed back by the extreme heat and flames followed by several small explosions.

Police said the state Medical Examiner's Office used DNA to make a positive identification.

Friends and family describe Lacey as a man with a "smile that would brighten up anyone's day" and "would be the first one there for any of his friends of family."

Lacey grew up in Cranston and was working as a plumber.

Friends have established a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs.

Watch a slideshow of Lacey and friends: