SHREWSBURY — The driver who was killed in a head-on crash on Route 20 in Shrewsbury last Monday has been identified as Anastasios “Taso” Zahariadis, 57, of Oxford, according to a spokesperson for the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
On Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, at approximately 11:51 a.m., Shrewsbury police, firefighters and Worcester EMS paramedics responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash with injury at the intersection of Hartford Turnpike (Route 20) and Edgemere Boulevard.
According to the Shrewsbury Police Department, when officers arrived on scene, they located three vehicles that were involved in the crash: a 2011 Honda Accord which police said was traveling westbound, a 2019 Ford F-250 with a trailer which was traveling east, and a 2005 Kenworth oil tanker truck which was in the eastbound lane, waiting to turn left onto Edgemere Boulevard.
Officers found Zahariadis, the driver of the Honda Accord, unresponsive with serious injuries and immediately began lifesaving measures. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Shrewsbury police said a preliminary investigation found that the F-250 and Honda Accord collided head-on and that the oil tanker truck sustained damage after the initial impact.
According to his obituary, Zahariadis was born in New York City to Greek immigrant parents. He moved to Massachusetts as a young teenager and worked alongside his family in the pizza restaurant business.
A standout soccer player, Zahariadis played for Oxford High School and Worcester Olympia, forming friendships that lasted throughout his life. His obituary remembers him for his humor, generosity and ability to make others feel comfortable.
He is survived by his mother, Vasiliki Zahariadis of Oxford; his brother, Gus Zahariadis of Somerville; as well as his extended family and friends. His father, George Zahariadis, died in 2009.
Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 35 Lake Parkway in Webster, MA. Zahariadis’ funeral service will take place at the church on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by his burial in North Cemetery in Oxford.
