NORTHFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Authorities have launched an investigation into last Thursday’s fatal single-vehicle crash in Northfield.
The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, along with members of the State Police Crime Scene Services, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Fire Marshals Office, and the Northfield Police and Fire Departments are involved in the investigation.
The DA’s office believes the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene on Gulf Road, is Duane Schillemat, 65, of Munsonville, New Hampshire.
Here is the official release from the Northwest District Attorney’s office:
NORTHFIELD — On Thursday, June 4, at approximately 12:30 p.m., first responders were dispatched to the area of 585 Gulf Road in Northfield following a report of a single-vehicle crash.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle, a pickup truck, was traveling southeast on Gulf Road when it left the roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle subsequently caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames.
The operator, believed to be Duane Schillemat, 65, of Munsonville, New Hampshire, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, along with members of the State Police Crime Scene Services, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Fire Marshals Office, and the Northfield Police and Fire Departments.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and confirm the identity of the deceased.