HEATH — A motorcycle crash on Route 8A claimed the life of a 70-year-old Wilmington, Vermont, man on Friday, October 6.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around noon near the intersection with Long Hill Road. A passing driver discovered an overturned three-wheeled motorcycle, administered first aid, and called 911. The victim was transported to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, where he was later pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports indicate no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The official cause of death is pending determination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and the State Police Detective Unit are investigating the cause of the crash, as stated by First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne.
Additionally, a dog named Louie, a black poodle mix, was found to be with the motorcyclist at the time of the accident. Louie was wearing a helmet and a vest harness and survived the crash. As of Sunday, he has been recovered, with the Friends of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter thanking the community for their assistance.