Update: The District Attorney's Office confirmed on Wednesday that the victim of Tuesday's fatal train accident was Douglas Hawley, 41, of North Adams. Hawley's family posted a GoFundMe on Facebook late Tuesday to raise money for funeral expenses and his two children.
According to the post, Hawley "passed away unexpectedly in a freak accident" and that "everyone knows he was hit by a train crossing the tracks because he had a hearing problem never heard the train coming."
Family members had been at the scene of the accident and indicated their brother had died but did not give any further information.
Hawley apparently ran a lawn care business based on posts on his Facebook page.
The District Attorney's Office says the accident occurred about 11:25 a.m. and that Hawley was struck by an eastbound train traveling at a low speed. It is still under investigation.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Authorities are investigating a pedestrian/train accident in the city's downtown.
The incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. and the southbound train is currently stopped behind the American Legion on American Legion Drive.
Officers on the scene could not comment but a blue tarp is covering the area below one of the train cars.
Police cars and a fire truck are at the scene, which is cordoned off with yellow tape. It was indicated that the train would be there for some time.
The tracks there are frequently crossed by pedestrians using it as a shortcut to State Street and Noel Field Athletic Complex.
This is the second train accident in that area. On June 5, Lynn Stanley, 41, was struck by a southbound train at approximately 5:10 a.m. trying to cross the tracks under the Hadley Overpass.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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