Mother dies in fatal fall while hiking with her children in Massachusetts
- A 49-year-old mother from Topsfield, Massachusetts fell about 50 to 75 feet from a cliff while hiking with three of her children.
- Multiple medical professionals hiking nearby provided immediate assistance, but she was later pronounced dead from her injuries.
- The incident at Purgatory Chasm is under investigation and appears to be an accidental fall.
In Massachusetts, a tragic incident occurred when a mother fell off a cliff while hiking with her children. The victim, Carolyn Sanger, was 49 years old and from Topsfield, Massachusetts. She was at the Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, accompanied by three of her four children and other family members. While she was exploring the area, which is known for its striking rocky landscapes, she fell approximately 50 to 75 feet into the chasm. Local police indicated that the fall is being investigated but appears to be accidental. Following the fall, there were several medical professionals present in the vicinity, who immediately provided assistance to Carolyn Sanger. Unfortunately, despite their quick response, she succumbed to the injuries sustained during the fall and was pronounced dead shortly after. The Sutton Police Department reported the incident to the public, expressing their condolences to the family while noting the sadness of the event occurring in a popular hiking destination. Purgatory Chasm is frequently visited by hikers, especially in favorable weather conditions. Although trails in the area are typically closed during winter months due to slippery surfaces, the weather on that Wednesday was warm and dry. Hikers and park officials have noted the presence of dangerous overhangs along the cliff edges, emphasizing the risk associated with exploring such terrains. Local authorities hope that this tragic event might serve as a cautionary reminder about the potential dangers of hiking near cliff edges. The Sutton Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police, and other emergency response teams participated in the rescue efforts. The ongoing investigation into the accident aims to gather more details about the circumstances that led to the incident, but so far, all indications point to a tragic accident rather than any foul play or negligence.