Beloved Westfield Firefighter Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Wife, Toddler: 'Unmistakable Smile' Beloved Westfield Firefighter Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Wife, Toddler: 'Unmistakable Smile'
Beloved Westfield Firefighter Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Wife, Toddler: 'Unmistakable Smile' A longtime Massachusetts firefighter with a legacy of bravery, leadership, and a bright sense of humor has died suddenly, leaving behind his wife and his 2-year-old son. The Russell Fire Department and Westfield Fire Department announced the death of former Russell Fire Chief and longtime Westfield firefighter and paramedic Niles LaValley on Monday, July 20. Officials did not provide a cause of death, saying only that it was sudden. Loved ones created a GoFundMe for LaValley's wife, Jen, and their son, Theo, to help pay for his funeral expenses and provide some financial support. …
'Brilliant, Unique Soul': Family Shares 17-Year-Old's Dreams After Mass Pond Drowning 'Brilliant, Unique Soul': Family Shares 17-Year-Old's Dreams After Mass Pond Drowning
'Brilliant, Unique Soul': Family Shares 17-Year-Old's Dreams After Mass Pond Drowning A Massachusetts 17-year-old whose loved ones called him "a brilliant, unique soul" had big plans for his future and the people he loved. Those dreams were cut short when he drowned over the weekend. Now, his mother is sharing his story in hopes of honoring the visions he never got the chance to fulfill. Rohan Rhys, who was Tristan James Major but changed his name as family sought a "fresh start" from a difficult childhood, died Sunday evening, July 12, according to a GoFundMe created by his mother, Kailyn Lord. Investigators said Rhys was with two other juveniles playing in Fall River at So…
Boston Man, 28, Died In Western Massachusetts Accident Days After Becoming Licensed Skydiver Boston Man, 28, Died In Western Massachusetts Accident Days After Becoming Licensed Skydiver
Boston Man, 28, Died In Western Massachusetts Accident Days After Becoming Licensed Skydiver Authorities have identified the 28-year-old man who died in a Western Massachusetts skydiving accident earlier this week. Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, of Boston, was killed on Sunday, July 12, at Jumptown Skydiving, a popular skydiving center, in Orange. A preliminary investigation found that he fell about 30 feet when a sudden gust of wind interfered with his parachute during landing. Just days before the fatal accident, Gaddam shared on Facebook a July 2 photo after achieving his lifelong dream of earning his USPA License for skydiving at a facility in Houston. That certification requires cl…
'Unimaginable Void': Family Honors Massachusetts Man Found Dead After Swimming In State Forest 'Unimaginable Void': Family Honors Massachusetts Man Found Dead After Swimming In State Forest
'Unimaginable Void': Family Honors Massachusetts Man Found Dead After Swimming In State Forest A Massachusetts community is coming together to support the family of a man who disappeared while swimming and was later found dead at a state forest. Loved ones remember him as a compassionate grandfather and a devoted family man who loved his family, the outdoors, and sports. Jonathan Maynard, 52, drowned Wednesday, July 9, at Charge Pond in Myles Standish State Forest. Plymouth Police responded to a report of a possible drowning shortly after 2 p.m. Search efforts continued until the victim was found at about 3:45 p.m. in water measuring between 17 and 19 feet deep. He was pronounced dea…
'They Were Best Friends': Mother To Launch Foundation Honoring Mass Woman Killed In Crash 'They Were Best Friends': Mother To Launch Foundation Honoring Mass Woman Killed In Crash
'They Were Best Friends': Mother To Launch Foundation Honoring Mass Woman Killed In Crash The mother of a Massachusetts woman killed in a New Hampshire motorcycle crash is turning her unthinkable loss into lasting purpose by creating a foundation that will carry on her daughter's lifelong mission of helping others, friends said.  Michaela Svetlana Waldrop, 29, of Malden, died in a motorcycle crash in Gorham, New Hampshire, on July 2, according to police. Now, her mother, Kris Waldrop, is working to establish the Michaela Waldrop Foundation, which will support underserved individuals and families in her daughter's honor. Friends and loved ones have launched a GoFundMe t…
Community Rallies Around Young Daughter Of Mass Mom Killed In Jet Ski Accident Community Rallies Around Young Daughter Of Mass Mom Killed In Jet Ski Accident
Community Rallies Around Young Daughter Of Mass Mom Killed In Jet Ski Accident A Massachusetts community is coming together for a young girl after her mother died in a jet ski accident last month. Daisha Murphy, 25, of Brockton, rode a jet ski with another woman on Long Pond in Lakeville on June 29 when the watercraft tipped over and threw them into the water. Murphy never resurfaced. She was not wearing a life jacket, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office. Searchers recovered her body early the next morning about 125 yards from shore in five feet of water. Now, friends, family, and supporters are focusing on helping the daughter Murphy left beh…
Heartbreak In Central Mass: Beloved Teenage Restaurant Employee Killed In Crash Heartbreak In Central Mass: Beloved Teenage Restaurant Employee Killed In Crash
Heartbreak In Central Mass: Beloved Teenage Restaurant Employee Killed In Crash A teenage Massachusetts restaurant worker, remembered for his infectious smile and dedication to his job, was killed in a crash that shook the East Brookfield community and prompted his workplace to temporarily close as workers grieve. Michael Earl, 19, died following a serious crash on West Main Street (Route 9) in East Brookfield on Saturday afternoon, June 20, around 3:40 p.m., according to local authorities. East Brookfield police said accident reconstruction teams also responded to the scene. Earl was a beloved employee of The Clam Box, which shared emotional tributes to him on Fa…
Support Pours In For Mass Teen's Family After He Drowned Just Days After Graduation Support Pours In For Mass Teen's Family After He Drowned Just Days After Graduation
Support Pours In For Mass Teen's Family After He Drowned Just Days After Graduation A Massachusetts teenager who drowned while swimming with friends at Houghton's Pond is being remembered as a kind, hardworking young man whose death has left family, friends, and classmates devastated. Kayron Costa, 18, drowned Saturday, June 20, at Houghton's Pond in Milton while swimming with friends, less than two weeks after graduating from Quincy High School, police said. Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said Costa was swimming with a group of friends around 7 p.m. when he went under the water and did not resurface. A Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Team pull…
MA Native, 54, Killed In NY Porsche Crash Was Community Leader, DJ, Father MA Native, 54, Killed In NY Porsche Crash Was Community Leader, DJ, Father
MA Native, 54, Killed In NY Porsche Crash Was Community Leader, DJ, Father A Dutchess County, NY man killed in a crash this month is being remembered as a beloved father, DJ, mentor, and driving force behind a prominent arts organization in the Hudson Valley.  Scott Anderson, 54, of Amenia, died on Monday, June 8, following a two-car crash on South Amenia Road in the Town of Amenia, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Anderson, a native of Bedford, Massachusetts, was driving a 1998 Porsche Carrera eastbound near Benson Road at around 4:50 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle. Investigators said the Porsche crossed into the westbound lane and collided w…
'In Shock And Mourning': Family Grieves 21-Month-Old Killed By Amtrak Train In Springfield 'In Shock And Mourning': Family Grieves 21-Month-Old Killed By Amtrak Train In Springfield
'In Shock And Mourning': Family Grieves 21-Month-Old Killed By Amtrak Train In Springfield A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of a 21-month-old Springfield girl who was killed after being struck by an Amtrak train, leaving her loved ones and the community devastated. Gloria Elikana died after being struck by an Amtrak train near railroad tracks behind Emily Street in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield at about 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, according to authorities. She was taken to Baystate Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries. The loss has shaken a family that has already endured extraordinary hardship. According to a GoFundMe created …
Active-Duty Mass Police Sgt Dies After Long Cancer Battle; GoFundMe Surges For Family Active-Duty Mass Police Sgt Dies After Long Cancer Battle; GoFundMe Surges For Family
Active-Duty Mass Police Sgt Dies After Long Cancer Battle; GoFundMe Surges For Family A Dedham police sergeant who died after a long battle with cancer is being remembered for his dedication to the community he served and the family he loved. Sgt. James Quigley died Thursday, June 11. “Throughout his battle, Jim continued to serve our community with commitment and selflessness,” the Dedham police posted to Facebook. He leaves behind his wife and two children, Maeve and James, according to a GoFundMe created to support his family. Quigley joined the Dedham Police Department in 2015 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to detective two years later and spent years handling com…
Heartbroken Springfield Family Remembers 14-Year-Old Who Died On School Trip To CT Resort Heartbroken Springfield Family Remembers 14-Year-Old Who Died On School Trip To CT Resort
Heartbroken Springfield Family Remembers 14-Year-Old Who Died On School Trip To CT Resort A Massachusetts eighth grader who died during a school field trip at a Connecticut resort is being remembered as a gifted student, athlete, and leader whose loss has devastated his family and school community. Emari Marshall-Woodard, 14, suffered a medical emergency while visiting High Meadow Resort in Granby and drowned on Wednesday, June 11, authorities said. An off-duty officer began life-saving measures before Emari was transported to a hospital, where he later died. "Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, school staff, and all those whose lives have been touched…
'Cruel Twist Of Fate': Mass Horse Trainer, 25, Dies Weeks After Fulfilling Lifelong Dream 'Cruel Twist Of Fate': Mass Horse Trainer, 25, Dies Weeks After Fulfilling Lifelong Dream
'Cruel Twist Of Fate': Mass Horse Trainer, 25, Dies Weeks After Fulfilling Lifelong Dream A young Massachusetts horse trainer who had just achieved her lifelong dream of owning a farm was killed in a devastating riding accident that also claimed the life of her beloved show horse. Chloe Christina Smith, 25, of Swampscott, was riding with friends in Groton on Friday, June 5, when her horse balked at a jump, throwing her from the saddle before collapsing on top of her, according to her family and obituary. Smith was airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she died hours later, surrounded by loved ones, Daily Item reported. “Her life was horses,” her father,…
Support Floods In For Fallen Mass Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty As Community Honors Hero Support Floods In For Fallen Mass Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty As Community Honors Hero
Support Floods In For Fallen Mass Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty As Community Honors Hero A beloved Boston firefighter who died while rushing to save others will be laid to rest next week, as support pours in for his grieving family through a non-profit and fundraising campaign that's drawing in tributes from across the state.  The Boston Fire Department announced that the wake for Rescue Company 2 firefighter Robert T. “BK” Kilduff Jr. will be held Sunday, May 31, at Saint Theresa of Avila Church in West Roxbury from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A uniformed member walkthrough is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. His funeral Mass will take place Monday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the…
Body Found In Connecticut River ID’d As Missing Western Mass Man Body Found In Connecticut River ID’d As Missing Western Mass Man
Body Found In Connecticut River ID’d As Missing Western Mass Man A body pulled from the Connecticut River earlier this month has been identified as a Massachusetts man who vanished in January. Officials said Monday, May 18, that Donald Plasse, 63, of Holyoke, was the person found near the Chester-Lyme Ferry on May 9. Plasse had been missing since Jan. 13 following an incident near the Connecticut River in South Hadley, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The discovery happened around 12:25 p.m. when a vessel traveling on the river reported seeing a body in the water, officials said. Environmental Conservation…
Mass Native Who Spent Retirement Protecting Children Dies Tragically Mass Native Who Spent Retirement Protecting Children Dies Tragically
Mass Native Who Spent Retirement Protecting Children Dies Tragically Jean M. Schultz, a cherished North Jersey crossing guard killed this week while helping children cross the street, is being remembered for the kindness, warmth, and care she brought to local families.  Schultz died Monday, May 4 at her post in Woodland Park. She was 80 years old. Born in Lawrence, MA, on Oct. 8, 1945, Schultz spent most of her adult life in Kearny before moving to Woodland Park 20 years ago, according to her obituary on the Prout Funeral Home website. She worked for many years at The Bank of New York and later at Chase Bank before retiring and becoming a cros…
Western Mass Motocross Rider, 17, Killed In Practice Crash; Community Mourns Rising Star Western Mass Motocross Rider, 17, Killed In Practice Crash; Community Mourns Rising Star
Western Mass Motocross Rider, 17, Killed In Practice Crash; Community Mourns Rising Star A teenage Massachusetts motocross rider who built a reputation on local tracks has died after a crash during practice, leaving a tight-knit racing community reeling. They're coming together to help his family manage this dark time.  Alex Mechachonis, 17, of Granville, was killed in a crash at a motocross practice track in Brookfield called MX23 on April 28, according to authorities. Circumstances around the crash are under investigation. “There are no words to describe the heartbreak and sadness we all feel here at MX23!” managers of the track where he died wrote in a Facebook post on …
Woman Allegedly Killed By Award-Winning UMass Amherst Chef Remembered As Loving Mom Woman Allegedly Killed By Award-Winning UMass Amherst Chef Remembered As Loving Mom
Woman Allegedly Killed By Award-Winning UMass Amherst Chef Remembered As Loving Mom Friends and loved ones of a 31-year-old Massachusetts woman who police say was beaten to death by her husband in a hotel room are rallying to help her 10-year-old daughter and her beloved dogs. Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham, faces murder and assault charges after police say he killed his wife, Emma MacDonald, at Hotel UMass in Amherst on Wednesday, April 22. Police responded around 7:45 p.m. to Room 413 after reports from neighboring rooms of a woman screaming and crying. When they arrived, Emma was dead, and Jeffrey MacDonald attacked one of the officers, authorities said. After poli…
10-Year-Old Killed In Central Mass Crash Remembered As ‘Pure Light,' 'Full Of Promise' 10-Year-Old Killed In Central Mass Crash Remembered As ‘Pure Light,' 'Full Of Promise'
10-Year-Old Killed In Central Mass Crash Remembered As ‘Pure Light,' 'Full Of Promise' A Massachusetts community is coming together to remember a 10-year-old girl who was killed over the weekend in a car crash. Loved ones described the fourth-grader as "pure light." Marleigh Guevara died after being struck shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, on School Street in Webster, police said.  Guevara was a student at Park Avenue Elementary School in Webster. Grief counselors were on hand Monday if students needed them.  "We are heartbroken at the loss of one of our young 4th-grade students, Marleigh, whose life was tragically cut short in an accident," Webster…
Mass Mom Of 3 Dies After Rare Cancer Fight, Remembered As ‘Profound Blessing To All’ Mass Mom Of 3 Dies After Rare Cancer Fight, Remembered As ‘Profound Blessing To All’
Mass Mom Of 3 Dies After Rare Cancer Fight, Remembered As ‘Profound Blessing To All’ A young mother who made everyone feel “so special, so seen, and so deeply loved” is being remembered across her community as support pours in for her family after her death. Lara Roche, 39, of Milton and formerly of Stoneham, died on Easter Sunday, surrounded by her loving family and close friends, after battling a rare cancer. She leaves behind her husband, Kenneth Roche, and their three children, Paige, 9, Caroline, 7, and Luke, 4. In the wake of her death, the community has come together to support them. Loved ones have created a GoFundMe to help the family as they face life without he…
Missing Mass Man Found Dead In Crystal Lake After 6-Month Search Missing Mass Man Found Dead In Crystal Lake After 6-Month Search
Missing Mass Man Found Dead In Crystal Lake After 6-Month Search The body of a Central Massachusetts man who had been missing for nearly six months has been found. Leonard Mercury, 57, of Acton, was recovered from Crystal Lake in Gardner on Wednesday, March 25, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said. Gardner Police used drones to search the lake. During that aerial sweep, investigators spotted what appeared to be a body in the water. The Massachusetts State Police Dive Team then recovered the remains. Mercury went missing around 2 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2025, after leaving a Gardner hospital. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determ…
Body Of Missing Mass College Student Found In CT Lake After Boat Capsizes: 'It's Time To Heal' Body Of Missing Mass College Student Found In CT Lake After Boat Capsizes: 'It's Time To Heal'
Body Of Missing Mass College Student Found In CT Lake After Boat Capsizes: 'It's Time To Heal' Crews have recovered the body of a 20-year-old man after a dayslong search in a Connecticut lake where the canoe he was in capsized. Dominick Joseph Tocci, of Woodstock, was aboard a canoe on Lake Hayward in East Haddam around 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, with a fellow 20-year-old College of the Holy Cross student. It's unclear what caused the boat to flip, but both men went into the water. A paddle boater rescued the other man, but Tocci remained missing. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection led the search effort. Multiple agencies across the region sent equ…
Cape Cod Tragedy: Community Rallies After 2 Mass Fishermen Killed In Boat Sinking Cape Cod Tragedy: Community Rallies After 2 Mass Fishermen Killed In Boat Sinking
Cape Cod Tragedy: Community Rallies After 2 Mass Fishermen Killed In Boat Sinking The Massachusetts fishing community is mourning the loss of two fishermen killed when their boat sank off Cape Cod last week. Angel Luis Nieves, 37, and Truitt Holcomb Jr., 61, both of New Bedford, were aboard the scallop boat Yankee Rose about two miles off Provincetown on Thursday, March 5, when it capsized and sank, state authorities said. There were no survivors. Nieves was an engaged father of four, according to a GoFundMe created to support his family. "He loved the ocean; it was his passion," the fundraiser said. "But more than that, he loved God and his family. He worked so hard ev…
Police ID Man Killed After Car Dragged Him In Western Mass Hit-Run; Police Investigating Police ID Man Killed After Car Dragged Him In Western Mass Hit-Run; Police Investigating
Police ID Man Killed After Car Dragged Him In Western Mass Hit-Run; Police Investigating Authorities have identified the 69-year-old man killed this week after he was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Western Massachusetts.  William S. Colbert was struck sometime between 11:33 p.m. and 11:49 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the area of Linden Street/Francis Avenue area of Pittsfield, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  Investigators said he was pulled beneath the car and was trapped for some time before being released around 1350 West Housatonic Street, authorities said. The driver did not stop to call for help.  Pittsfield police are asking the pu…
'Mountain Of A Man:' Mass Native Bryan McLean Dies Suddenly 'Mountain Of A Man:' Mass Native Bryan McLean Dies Suddenly
'Mountain Of A Man:' Mass Native Bryan McLean Dies Suddenly The sudden death of a Morris County father is sending shockwaves through his community. Bryan Michael McLean, 47, of Randolph, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 22, in Morristown, according to his obituary published by Tuttle Funeral Home. Bryan was born in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, having graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1996 and later earned his degree from the University of Rhode Island in 2000, according to the obituary.  He spent more than a decade working at Normandy Farms Campground in Foxboro, Massachusetts, before serving for the past 10 years as a Su…
Grammy-Nominated Producer, Musician Found Dead At Martha’s Vineyard Home At 50 Grammy-Nominated Producer, Musician Found Dead At Martha’s Vineyard Home At 50
Grammy-Nominated Producer, Musician Found Dead At Martha’s Vineyard Home At 50 John Forté, a Grammy-nominated musician best known for his work with The Fugees, has died. He was 50. Police confirmed Forté was found dead inside his home in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard, according to USA Today. The discovery was made on Monday, January 12. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin said there were no signs of foul play and no clear cause of death. As he told USA Today, there was no “readily apparent cause of death.” A medical examiner is now investigating. Forté played a major role in shaping one of hip-hop’s most influential albums. He co-wrote and produced songs on The Score,…
‘People Looked Up To Him’: Western Mass Native, College Student Mourned As Intelligent, Caring ‘People Looked Up To Him’: Western Mass Native, College Student Mourned As Intelligent, Caring
‘People Looked Up To Him’: Western Mass Native, College Student Mourned As Intelligent, Caring A 20-year-old Massachusetts man is being remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and promising future following his sudden death this month. Jack Harold Forsyth, of East Longmeadow, died on Dec. 13, according to his obituary. He was studying aerospace engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute at the time of his death. He attended the university on an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. “Jack was someone people genuinely looked up to,” a GoFundMe created in his memory states. “He was incredibly smart, hardworking, and …
15-Year-Old Girl ID'd As One Of 2 Teens Killed In Mass Crash; Community Rallies Around Family 15-Year-Old Girl ID'd As One Of 2 Teens Killed In Mass Crash; Community Rallies Around Family
15-Year-Old Girl ID'd As One Of 2 Teens Killed In Mass Crash; Community Rallies Around Family Friends and family are mourning the loss of a 15-year-old Dartmouth girl killed in a violent early-morning crash on Route 140. Now, her family is asking for help as they try to return her body to her native Brazil.  Anne Caroline Torres was involved in a single-vehicle crash just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, near mile marker 2.1 in New Bedford, authorities said.  When first responders arrived at the crash site, they found a gray 2019 Honda Civic with heavy damage in the woods beside the highway. Two people had been ejected from the car. Torres was found with life-threatenin…
Mass Firefighter, Father Of Dies Unexpectedly; Community Rallies Around Family Mass Firefighter, Father Of Dies Unexpectedly; Community Rallies Around Family
Mass Firefighter, Father Of Dies Unexpectedly; Community Rallies Around Family Massachusetts firefighters are raising money to help the family of Framingham firefighter Keith Cashman, a respected and beloved member of the department who died unexpectedly earlier this month.  Keith Cashman, 52, of Swansea, died on Oct. 4 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. He left behind a wife of 30 years and three children, his obituary said.  Fellow firefighters created a GoFundMe to provide for his loved ones as they navigate the new world without him. They have raised more than $14,000 of their $16,000 goal as of Wednesday, Oct. 29.  Framingham Firefighters Local 1652 wr…
Western Mass Man Killed In Drunk Driving Crash Leaves Behind 3-Year-Old; Community Rallies Western Mass Man Killed In Drunk Driving Crash Leaves Behind 3-Year-Old; Community Rallies
Western Mass Man Killed In Drunk Driving Crash Leaves Behind 3-Year-Old; Community Rallies The community is coming together for the family of a 21-year-old man killed as a passenger in a drunk driving crash, who leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter. A fundraiser for his family is nearing its goal.  Edwin Guzman, of Chicopee, and another man were killed when the Infiniti they were in crashed and rolled over on Route 5/15 North near Exit 85 in Wethersfield on Friday, Oct. 3. The car veered off the road, hit a guardrail, and tumbled down a steep embankment, Connecticut State Police said.  Related: 2 Killed In Alleged Drunk Driving Crash In Wethersfield, Police Say F…
Police ID 59-Year-Old Man Gunned Down; Alleged Shooter Caught Police ID 59-Year-Old Man Gunned Down; Alleged Shooter Caught
Police ID 59-Year-Old Man Gunned Down; Alleged Shooter Caught Police have identified the man who was shot to death last month in Western Massachusetts and named the person they say pulled the trigger.  Ronald J. Kogut, 59, of Chicopee, was shot in the 100 block of Dayton Street in Chicopee on Sept. 23, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:20 p.m. Paramedics rushed Kogut to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, but doctors could not save him.  Investigators found video footage that identified Timothy Lynch, 27, of Chicopee, as the alleged gunman, the prosecutor said…