Massachusetts mom hiking with children at ‘Purgatory Chasm' falls 75 feet to her death
A mother-of-four has died after falling 75 feet in an area known as Purgatory Chasm, while hiking with her children.
The 49-year-old woman, who was later named as Carrie Sanger, from Topsfield, Massachusetts, was out with three of her children when the tragic accident occurred on Wednesday.
Sutton Police Department said it received a 911 call at around 2 p.m. reporting that Sanger had fallen approximately 50-75 feet on the state reservation. Multiple medical professionals were reportedly hiking the Chasm at the same time as the incident, who provided medical attention immediately.
However, Sanger had succumbed to the injuries sustained during the fall and was pronounced deceased a short time later, police said. The department added that the investigation is ongoing, but the incident 'does appear to be accidental.'
A GoFundMe page, started on behalf of her family, described Sanger – who had recently left her career as an Oncology nurse to pursue her passion for wellness – as 'a bright light; a wonderful, selfless mother who has raised four incredible, respectful, responsible kids.'
'She was a friend to all and her smile and kind spirit will be greatly missed. She passed too early- but she left the earth doing what she loved, with the ones she loved.'
The post also noted that her husband, Mike Sanger, was the opposite of his wife and enjoyed a 'quiet but very proud life.'
Further information on the investigation will be released from the Worcester County District Attorney's Office, the SPD said in a statement that went on to thank other local agencies.
'The Sutton Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the family during this very difficult time.'
"There are trails above the chasm you can go along, [and] dangerous overhangs if you're going to the edge to look down," hiker Andy Spears told WCVB. "It's really sad that it had to happen at a place like this."
Purgatory Chasm is described online as 'a unique natural landmark offering exciting adventure.' Trails on the reservation include rock formations such as The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers' Leap.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
GoFundMe Campaign for Mom of 3 Girls Who Police Suspect Were Killed by Dad Raises Over $1 Million
More than $1 million has been raised on a GoFundMe campaign supporting Whitney Decker, whose three daughters were alleged to have been killed by their father Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead on June 2 in Chelan County, Wash., three days after they never returned from a planned visit with their father, Travis Decker Travis is the subject of an ongoing manhunt and is wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and custodial interferenceSupport has been shown for Whitney Decker, the Washington state mother whose three daughters police suspect were murdered by their father. The donations on a GoFundMe campaign set up to help Whitney with expenses and legal costs amid the tragic loss of Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, have soared over $1 million as of Monday, June 9. "Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable," organizer and friend Amy Edwards wrote. "I've known Whitney for years, we're both dance moms and theater friends [and I've] had the privilege of teaching Whitney's girls." Edwards says the 'funds raised will go directly to Whitney to help cover final expenses, support time off from work, and give her space to heal without financial pressure.' 'Thank you for keeping Whitney and her girls in your hearts,' the family friend added. The girls were found dead on June 2 after authorities located their father's pickup truck near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, PEOPLE previously reported, citing police. Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, had not returned on time from a 'planned visitation' on May 30, leading the girls to being reported missing. Officials believe the girls most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported. While Travis has yet to be found, he is facing charges related to his daughters' deaths. Authorities have said he is wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and custodial interference. "Travis, if you're listening, this is your opportunity to turn yourself in, do the right thing, do what you need to do and take accountability for your actions," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said at a press conference on June 3. Amid the ongoing manhunt for Travis, authorities have been asking the public to come forward with any information and have shared several photos of him. Travis is 5'8 with black hair and brown eyes, and the Chelan County Sheriff's Office previously described him as "dangerous" and said he "may be armed." The CCSO wrote in a press release shared on Saturday, June 7 that hundreds of law enforcement personnel are searching "dozens of structures and the forests" in the area. "We continue these search efforts, acting upon gathered information and tips from the public, and leads developed through even more search warrants," the sheriff's office said, adding that a local road was reopened after authorities found "no credible threat." However, Whitney's attorney, Arianna Cozart, believes Travis died by suicide, she told PEOPLE on Friday, June 6. The attorney added that although Travis, an Army veteran, struggled with mental health issues, he was a "present and active father up until the end." Police said in previous statement that Travis was 'homeless and living in his vehicle or at various hotels/motels or at campgrounds in the area.' They also noted that he had prior military experience. Days before the killings, Travis reportedly conducted online searches about how to move to Canada and allegedly searched a Canadian job site, according to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, The Independent and NBC Right Now. Authorities said they were worried that he was attempting to flee the U.S. into Canada. "The location of the victims' remains is relatively close to the Canadian border and approximately 11 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, a well-established trail that leads directly to Canada," the affidavit states, per Fox 13 Seattle. Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Travis to call 911 immediately and do not attempt approach him. People can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit information to the tip line. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Dine-and-dasher gets 22 years for attack that put New York restaurant owner in a coma
[Source] A man who left a restaurant co-owner in Albany, New York, with severe brain injuries after attempting to skip out on his bill was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Friday. Catch up Lucas Healey, 43, dined at Shogun Sushi and Sake Bar for two hours on May 29, 2024, building up a tab over $400 before trying to leave when his credit card processed only a $50 payment. Staff chased him down Madison Avenue, where he punched co-owner Su Wen Zheng multiple times. Zheng was knocked backward, striking his head on the pavement. Healey also allegedly yelled racial epithets at staff, but prosecutors never filed hate crime charges despite initial consideration. Zheng spent nearly two weeks in a coma and nearly two months hospitalized. Trending on NextShark: Sentencing Judge Roger McDonough imposed the 22-year term plus five years supervision, though he did not classify Healey as a repeat offender despite prior convictions for reckless endangerment and attempted robbery. Still, the judge dismissed Healey's 'faux remorse,' noting he blamed his Irish background, foster care history and unsubstantiated brain injury while denying he started the fight. Zheng's wife, Yaying Chen, has described her husband's severe disabilities, including the inability to tell time, recognize colors or name fruits, with communication failures causing head-banging frustration. A GoFundMe campaign had raised $62,150 for Zheng's medical bills. Trending on NextShark: Healey rejected a previous 20-year plea deal and will serve concurrent sentences. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. ! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Deadly Wallingford fire now being investigated as arson-related homicide
A 72-year-old woman was pulled from a house fire in Wallingford last week, and succumbed to her injuries. Now, police are investigating her death as an 'arson-related homicide.' On June 4, around 1 a.m., dozens of Seattle Fire Department crews were called to a home on Sunnyside Avenue N, a few blocks away from Lake Union. A home and a tree were on fire, and Seattle Fire crews found a woman inside, on the ground, and within a few feet of the doorway while fighting the fire. They pulled her out and began working to revive her. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center where she later died form her injuries. SPD's Arson-Bomb Squad was initially assigned to this case. They learned that someone had left the scene before first responders arrived. Investigators determined that the cause of the fire was not accidental. If anyone has information on this fire, call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. You can be anonymous.
