Egremont Man Died From Self-Immolation

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EGREMONT, Mass. — Officials have determined that an Egremont man died from intentionally setting himself on fire, according to a press release from the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. 
 
Brian Levy-Sadhana was found severely burned at the scene of a chicken coop fire on Wednesday morning. He later succumbed to his injuries. 
 
The Fire Department responded to a call made by a passer-by about a chicken coop fire at about 7:40 a.m. Wednesday on Mount Washington Road. 
 
The State Police Detective Unit attached to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office found no detectable evidence of foul play by third parties. A K9 unit alerted to numerous items near the chicken coop for ignitable liquid accelerant, which officials said confirmed the self-immolation conclusion. 
 
Detectives were assisted in the investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office and Egremont Police Chief Jason LaForest.
 
"This is a terrible tragedy. Our office gives its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Levy-Sadhana's wife, daughter, grandson, and family," said DA Timothy Shugrue in a statement. 

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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