New Hampshire Man Killed by Tree Falling on Truck in Lenox

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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LENOX, Mass. — A New Hampshire man was killed during a severe thunderstorm on Tuesday when a tree fell on his truck.

Police Sgt. Michael Smith and Officer Tyler Bosworth were dispatched at a about 5:20 p.m. to a report of a tree on a vehicle in the area of Fox Hollow Road, south of Old Stockbridge Road on Route 7.

Police reported that a 2020 Ford F-150 pickup truck has been traveling in the southbound lane when a "very large" tree fell into the travel lane and landed on the vehicle.

The operator, 56-year-old Darrin Cawthron of Derry, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only occupant in the truck.


There were no reported witnesses to the accident and no other vehicles were involved. Route 7 was closed for about five hours from the intersection of Summer Street in Lee to the intersection of Kemble and Plunkett Street in Lenox.

Several first responders assisted the Police Department including the Fire Department, Lee Police Department, the Stockbridge Police and Fire Departments, and Lee Ambulance.

The State Police Divisions of Investigative Services and Collison Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the Department of Transportation also provided assistance.
 
The accident remains under investigation but police say it appears that the cause of the crash was weather related.

At least 15 roads in the town had reported trees and wires down due to high winds from thunderstorms that broke across much of Southern Berkshire on Wednesday afternoon.


Tags: bad weather,   fatal,   MVI,   

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Students Through Saturday Register Free for Pittsfield July 4 5K

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Students in grades kindergarten through 12 can register free for the BHS July 4th 5K through Saturday, June 15.
 
The 5-kilometer road race takes place on the parade route of Pittsfield's Independence Day parade at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.
 
Berkshire Health Systems is offering prize money to the top 3 overall category winners in nine age groups.
 
There will be a Corporate Challenge Division in which businesses can compete in this special category while supporting the race. Sponsorships are needed and welcomed by contacting Lisa Lewis at llewis3@bhs1.org
 
Proceeds will go to support community wellness programming through Berkshire Health Systems.
 
The registration fee for all participants -- including students after June 15 -- is $25 through Sunday, June 30. Online registration is available at berkshirerunningcenter.com.
 
Registration July 1-3 is $35, in person at the Berkshire Running Center, 5 Cheshire Road, Suite 119, Allendale Underground, Pittsfield.
 
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