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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BCAC Seeks Sponsors to Provide Winter Clothing for Berkshire Children

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For some, winter is a time for snow-covered landscapes, cozy nights by the fire and outdoor activities. For others, the colder months bring additional financial burdens as families struggle to afford necessities such as winter coats, boots and warm clothing.
 
The Berkshire Community Action Council's Elf Warm Clothing Program works to alleviate that burden by connecting children in need with community members willing to lead collection initiatives or purchase warm winter clothing for the drive. 
 
According to the council's website, last year, it served more than 2,300 children across Berkshire County.  
 
Those interested in sponsoring a child will receive the chid's age and clothing sizes to purchase a winter coat, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Donations can be dropped off at a BCAC office by arrangement.
 
For more information or to sponsor a child, contact BCAC at 413-418-3685 for Pittsfield and Central Berkshire or 413-663-3014 for Northern Berkshire.
 
For 15 years, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier has partnered with BCAC by soliciting donations for the program, helping match approximately 50 children each year with donors who provide the clothing needed to stay warm.
 
"The growth in the need is unbelievable," she said.
 
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