Man killed after tree falls on pickup truck in New Salem

Native Information

Officers stated 75-year-old William Mattei was driving on Route 122 when an uprooted tree landed on his truck.

Officers have recognized the 75-year-old Leicester man who died Wednesday after a tree fell on his pickup truck in New Salem.

Massachusetts State Police stated in a information launch that the falling tree precipitated deadly accidents to the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado’s sole occupant, William Mattei. 

State police stated the incident occurred shortly earlier than midday on Route 122 — often known as Petersham Highway — in New Salem, close to the intersection with Sweezy Lane. The Northwestern District Lawyer’s Workplace stated the tree grew to become uprooted, although it was unclear why it had. 

Mattei was driving on Route 122 when the tree fell, and first responders decided that he died on the scene, in keeping with state police. The Workplace of the Chief Medical Examiner will set up his reason behind demise, the DA’s workplace stated in a separate launch. 

One other driver witnessed the tree falling and known as 911 after placing particles within the roadway, in keeping with the DA’s workplace. He reportedly advised investigators that Mattei had no option to keep away from being struck by the tree.

The opposite driver was unhurt, although his van was broken, the DA’s workplace stated. 

Tree particles littered either side of Petersham Highway following the crash, and the roadway remained closed for hours, in keeping with the DA’s launch. The incident stays beneath investigation.