UPDATE: Jacob's Pillow Production Manager Dies in Accident on Grounds
Updated on Aug. 2, 2025 at 11 am — The Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported that there are no criminal charges being brought to the accidental death of the Jacob's Pillow summer employee, 40-year-old Kathryn "Kat" Sirico o Rochester, N.Y.
After an investigation it was found that the events leading to Sirico's death were related to a work-place accident.
In the early afternoon of Friday Aug. 1, Sirico and a summer intern were moving platforms used for staging for a theater across the Jacob's Pillow property. The platforms were on a dolly. As the victim and intern began moving the dolly down a sloped area, they lost control of the dolly, and it began to roll. The Sirico attempted to regain control of the dolly; however, tripped and fell. The dolly ran over Sirico and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on Sirico. Bystanders attempted life saving measures.
Becket Police responded to the scene at approximately 12:31 p.m. At approximately 12:35 p.m, the Town of Becket's Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office also responded to the scene.
The official cause of death will be announced by the Medical Examiner.
BECKET, Mass. — Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival on Friday night identified the person who died on the grounds earlier in the day as a member of its staff.
The venue reported that a "tragic accident" occurred outdoors Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of one of the company's production managers, Kat Sirico.
There were no other injuries.
"Kat was a Pillow alum and an essential and hugely devoted leader on our team," executive and artistic director Pamela Tatge said. "Their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together."
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office Friday afternoon confirmed that a fatality had occurred on the grounds but could not provide any more information, only noting that the incident was under investigation and that the public was not in danger.
The fatality had been reported at 12:32 p.m. and State Police responded to the scene. The festival's website posted that an "unforseen accident" accident had occurred and that the day's performances had been canceled. A spokesperson told iBerkshires that "There is a critical incident under investigation. We are not able to say more at this time."
In its Friday night statement, Jacob's Pillow said investigations are underway by State Police, the state medical examiner and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Jacob's Pillow also announced that all performances at the venue through Sunday, Aug. 3, have been canceled.
People holding tickets for the canceled performances will receive detailed updates from Jacob's Pillow by email.
Updated with the identity of the victim on Friday at 10:45 p.m.
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