Driver Killed By Falling Tree In Western Mass

A 75-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning, July 19, after a tree uprooted and fell in front of his pick-up truck in Franklin County, authorities said.

A 75-year-old Leicester man died Wednesday, July 19, when a tree fell into the path of his pick-up truck in New Salem in Franklin County.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps/Massachusetts State Police*

Josh Lanier

07/20/2023 12:35 p.m.

William Mattei, of Leicester, was driving west on Petersham Road (Route 122) near the intersection of Sweezy Lane when the tree crashed directly into the path of his 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, state police said.

A witness told investigators that there was no way Mattei could have avoided hitting the tree.

Debris from the tree damaged a van and scattered across the road. No one else was injured, according to police.

It's unclear what caused the tree to fall.

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