NORTH ADAMS, MA — A tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday morning in North Adams, resulting in the death of a local woman. Lynn Stanley, a 41-year-old resident of Berkshire County, was fatally struck by a train near American Legion Drive. The Berkshire District Attorney’s office confirmed her identity and provided details about the incident.
According to the DA’s office, Stanley was hit by an eastbound train at approximately 5:10 a.m. under the Hadley Overpass. The North Adams Dispatch received an emergency call around that time, reporting that an individual had been struck by a train. North Adams Police Lieutenant Anthony Beverly and the Berkshire District Attorney’s office confirmed that the victim was Stanley.
Emergency responders, including North Adams Police, North Adams Fire, and Northern Berkshire EMS, arrived at the scene shortly after the call. They determined that Stanley was deceased upon their arrival. The investigation into the incident is being led by the Berkshire District Attorney’s office, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the DA’s office and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The area where the incident occurred, under the Hadley Overpass, is known for its train tracks that run over a trestle spanning the Hoosic River. This location is part of the Western Gateway Heritage State Park. Pedestrians have been known to use the tracks behind the American Legion as a shortcut for many years, although it remains unclear exactly where Stanley was when she was struck.
Investigators spent several hours at the scene on Wednesday morning. They were seen parked in the American Legion post parking lot and across from the trestle under the Hadley Overpass. Initially, a life-flight helicopter was called to the scene but was later canceled.
The train involved in the incident was reportedly headed south and has since continued its journey. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies, including the State Police Detective Unit and the National Transportation Safety Board, are working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
This tragic event has left the community in shock, as residents grapple with the sudden loss of Lynn Stanley. The investigation aims to uncover more details and provide answers to the many questions that remain.
