State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 2 in Florida

On Saturday May 29, 2010 at approximately 6:14 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Cheshire responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 2 in Florida. The crash resulted in fatal injuries to one occupant and serious injuries to another occupant.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Michael Kleiner indicates that a 71-year-old Richard Lavallee from Enfield, Connecticut was operating a 2004 Hyundai Sonata east on Route 2 in Florida when the Hyundai went off the roadway and rolled over, ejecting both occupants.

Both unbelted occupants were seriously injured and transported to North Adams Regional Hospital. Both victims were then transported by medical helicopter to Albany Medical Center in New York. The passenger, 72 year-old Hazel Lavallee, was also seriously injured and was pronounced deceased on Monday.

The facts and circumstances of this crash remain under investigation by Troop B of the Massachusetts State Police, with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The North Adams Police Department assisted Troopers at the scene.

The roadway was closed for approximately 1 hour while the crash was investigated and vehicle removal.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.