Lenox, Massachusetts — A 78-year-old Massachusetts man died Saturday after a tree fell on him while he was hiking, as a powerful nor’easter brought dangerous weather and caused trees to come down across parts of the region.
Bruce Evenchik of Pittsfield was found unresponsive on a trail at Kennedy Park in Lenox shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 26. Other hikers discovered him near the park’s parking area and contacted authorities, according to the Lenox Police Department.
Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene, but Evenchik was pronounced dead at the location.
Fatal Accident Happened During Dangerous Weather
The deadly accident occurred as strong weather conditions were affecting the area.
Before responding to the emergency involving Evenchik, Lenox police had been called to Sunset Avenue, where another tree had fallen onto a parked vehicle.
No one was inside the car at the time, and no injuries were reported in that incident.
The police department said trees had fallen in multiple locations throughout the county as the storm moved through, underscoring the hazardous conditions that were developing across the region.
For hikers and others outdoors, falling trees can become a serious danger during periods of strong winds, particularly when saturated ground and weakened trees are involved.
Police Chief Calls Death a Horrific Accident
Lenox Police Chief Mark Smith spoke about the difficult circumstances surrounding Evenchik’s death and the effect it would have on his family and friends.
Smith said:
“You think about the emotions tied to it and, you know, family and friends attached to it,” Smith said to the outlet. “This is just a horrific accident.”
The incident has left the local community mourning a man who was also well known for his medical career in the Berkshires. Evenchik was remembered by the Berkshire Eye Center, where he had been a former partner and surgeon.
Berkshire Eye Center Remembers Former Surgeon
The Berkshire Eye Center said Evenchik helped establish the medical practice and spent his career caring for patients throughout the Berkshires.
The practice said his work had a lasting impact on thousands of people who received treatment from him over the years. In a Facebook post, Berkshire Eye Center wrote:
“Through his skill, compassion, and commitment, he helped thousands of people regain their sight and improve their lives,” Berkshire Eye Center wrote in a Facebook post.
The medical center said he would be remembered and missed by former colleagues, patients, friends and others whose lives he touched.
His professional legacy added another dimension to the loss, with former colleagues remembering his years of service and the patients he helped throughout his career.
Family and Community Left Mourning
Evenchik’s death comes during an already difficult year for his family.
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His wife, Reba Evenchik, died earlier this year, according to the information shared following his death.
The circumstances surrounding Bruce Evenchik’s death have brought renewed attention to the dangers that can accompany severe weather, particularly for people spending time outdoors.
As the nor’easter moved through the area, trees were reported down in multiple locations, creating hazards for motorists, pedestrians and hikers.
For the local community, the loss is being felt both as a tragic weather-related accident and as the death of a longtime medical professional whose career touched thousands of lives.
Have you ever experienced dangerous conditions while hiking or being outdoors during a major storm? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
