Great Barrington — A 14-year-old child has died after being found unresponsive in Benedict Pond.
The Great Barrington Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 that a 14-year-old child was unaccounted for at the Benedict Pond beach area. The Great Barrington Police Department, Monterey Police Department, Great Barrington Fire Department, Monterey Fire Department, New Marlborough Ambulance, and Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad all responded to the report.
The child was found unresponsive in the water prior to emergency personnel arriving on scene, and several bystanders assisted in pulling the child out of the water and immediately performed CPR. The child was transported to Fairview Hospital; however, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
Detectives from the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident.
Update 8:05 p.m. July 17: The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office issued a press release stating that the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the office is overseeing the investigation, and that more details will be released in the coming days pending preliminary investigation results.
Update 11 a.m. July 18: Pittsfield Superintendent of Schools Joseph Curtis announced in ParentSquare that the child was a middle school student.
“This heartbreaking incident has profoundly impacted our entire school community,” Curtis wrote. “Our hearts are heavy with grief, and our thoughts are with the family, friends, and everyone who knew and cherished this student. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss, and we stand united in offering our support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.”
Story updates by Managing Editor Shaw Israel Izikson.
