Cheshire Woman Was Killed in Aug. 7 Crash

Print Story | Email Story
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The victim of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Aug. 7 has been identified as Susanna Thomas, 47, of Cheshire.
 
Thomas was believed to be traveling at a high rate of speed on Partridge Road, which has a speed limit 35 mph, when she struck a tree. 
 
A neighbor reported hearing a large boom and called 911. There were no tire tracks on the road or sounds heard to indicate the driver had attempted to brake prior to the collision, according to authorities.
 
The accident was reported at about 1:10 p.m. and Lanesborough Police, Fire and ambulance were dispatched to an area in between 782 and 785 Partridge Road.
 
First responders were able to reach the scene within 90 seconds to find a Nissan Rogue had collided with a tree and was engulfed in flames. 
 
First responders extinguished the flames and found one individual located in the driver's seat later identified as Thomas. She had suffered severe burns and was declared deceased at the scene. 
 
Thomas was a graduate of Hoosac Valley High School in Cheshire and previously worked as pastry chef and at Greylock Elementary School in North Adams. She did volunteer work, including in the kitchen at Berkshire Pathways. 
 
Law enforcement response also included the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office and the State Police Crash Analysis and Reconstruct Section.

Tags: fatal,   MVI,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Boba Tea & Gift Shop Announces Closure

Staff Reports

ADAMS, Mass. — Owner of 57 Park Street, Lea King, announced she was retiring and clearing out her gift and boba tea shop.

King moved to Berkshire County eight years ago, first renovating and reopening the historic Wigwam in North Adams with her partner, Wayne Gelinas, and then the gift shop in Adams. She saw the boba tea shop as a way to bring some of her culture to the community.

King opened the shop in March 2023 and reopened it in the summertime for people to enjoy drinks and buy local gift items.

"Over the past three seasons I've loved making boba tea and smoothies, teaching people about boba pearls, and chatting with everyone who stopped by. Many customers even became friends, which made this little shop extra special," she wrote. Over the next few weeks I’ll be clearing out the shop, and everything will be priced below cost. If you enjoy a bargain or would like to stop by to say hi and bye, feel free."

King announced on Facebook on Sunday that it is time for her to "fully embrace retirement and focus on family and new adventures."

"Thank you for the conversations, laughs, and friendships," she wrote. "Adams will always hold a special place in my heart."

View Full Story

More Adams Stories