State Police Investigating Fatality Caused by Tree that Fell on Pickup

At 11:48 AM Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Massachusetts State Troopers responded to Route 122 in New Salem, near the intersection with Sweezy Road, for an incident in which a tree fell on a pickup truck, causing fatal injuries to the sole occupant.

Preliminary investigation by the State Police-Athol Barracks, State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and State Police Detective Unit for Hampden County indicates that a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado being operated by William Mattei, 75, of Leicester, was traveling on Route 122 when the tree fell onto the vehicle. Mr. Mattei was determined to be deceased at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation. No further information is being released at this time.

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