Subscribe
80°
Western Mass 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. …
'She Was Our Heart And Soul': Taunton Family Mourns 26-Year-Old Tattoo Artist Killed In Crash
A 26-year-old Massachusetts woman whose family said she had a contagious laugh and an inspiring creative spirit was killed in a single-car crash, leaving loved ones mourning her sudden loss and asking the community for help.
Selina Mendez, 26, of Taunton, was killed in a single-car crash around 11:15 p.m. Friday, July 17, on County St. in Taunton, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.
Officers found a 2001 Honda Accord with heavy damage to the driver's side after it struck a telephone pole, police explained. Two women were still inside the car. Mendez, who was driving,…
Plymouth Mourns Beloved Storyteller Killed In Motorcycle Crash; Rallies Around Wife
A Massachusetts community is coming together for the family of a well-known fisherman, carpenter, and storyteller who was killed last week in a Cape Cod motorcycle crash.
According to Massachusetts State Police, Thomas "Tom" Charles Matthews, 70, was killed just before 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, in a two-motorcycle crash on Route 6 eastbound in Sandwich. The other rider suffered serious injuries, authorities said.
Matthews worked as a skilled carpenter and commercial fisherman. He spent years fishing for cod, striped bass, bluefin tuna, and scallops. But those closest to him said he w…
'They Were Best Friends': Mother To Launch Foundation Honoring Malden 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…
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…
Heartbroken Massachusetts 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
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,…
Lawrence 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…
Milton 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…
Cape Cod Tragedy: Community Rallies After 2 New Bedford 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…
Acton Dispatcher Dies After Double Shift In Snowstorm; Family Raises Funds for Funeral, Bills
An Acton police dispatcher died while clearing snow at his home this week, and his family is asking for help since he was the sole breadwinner.
Roger Wallace died on Monday, Jan. 26, four days before his 63rd birthday. He had just come home from a double shift at work. He'd spent the hours working with police, firefighters, and paramedics find and help people who were hurt or trapped during a massive snowstorm. After he got home, he began clearing the driveway and was found dead in his truck, his family wrote.
He died suddenly during that endeavor, his oldest child, DJ Wallace, wrote.…
