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Tragic Hiking Accident Claims Life of Massachusetts Mother

A hiking trip turned tragic in Sutton, Massachusetts, when a woman lost her life after falling during an outing with her family. Authorities from the Sutton Police Department confirmed the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 23.

The victim has been identified as Carolyn “Carrie” Sanger, a 49-year-old mother of four. She was hiking with three of her children and other family members at the Purgatory Chasm State Reserve, a popular spot known for its steep granite walls and rugged trails. Sanger fell between 50 to 75 feet into the chasm around 1:45 p.m., prompting emergency services to respond quickly to the scene.

As luck would have it, there were several medical professionals who happened to be hiking in the area and offered immediate assistance. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, Sanger succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after.

Though the incident appears to be an accident, law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her fall.

Friends and community members have expressed their sorrow and condolences for the Sanger family. Tim and Brooke Paoli, close friends of Sanger’s, have set up a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support to the family during this difficult time. Brooke reflected on Sanger’s legacy, stating, “She was a bright light; a wonderful, selfless mother who has raised four incredible, respectful, responsible kids.”

Brooke further remarked on Sanger’s character, emphasizing how deeply she will be missed, saying, “She passed too early but left the earth doing what she loved, with the ones she loved.”

Tim Paoli shared insights on the day they learned of Sanger’s tragic death, revealing how he received the news from her husband, Mike, while he was watching local news coverage. “We lost it,” he recounted, highlighting the profound shock felt by friends and family.

He suggested that the fall might have been due to an accidental loss of footing on a particularly challenging segment of the trail, emphasizing that there was no indication she was distracted by her phone.

Mo Levasseur, who knew Sanger through professional circles, described her as an “amazing light to the world.” Sanger had transitioned from her role as an oncology nurse to exploring alternative therapies, becoming a licensed massage therapist and Reiki practitioner with her studio, Balanced Body, in Topsfield.

Levasseur expressed both grief at the loss and gratitude for having known Sanger, stating, “We’re quite shocked today to have lost her, but we’re also blessed that she was in our path during the past year and a half.”

Another friend, Jamie Belsito, shared how Sanger’s presence was comforting and uplifting. “She could show up in a room, light up a room and give you a hug, and you felt that warmth,” she noted, adding that Sanger provided a safe space for open conversation.

Belsito concluded by affirming their community’s support for Mike and the children, stating, “We’ll be here as a community to take care of them.”

Source
people.com