Woman Dies After Pedestrian Crash on Tower Rd in Athol, MA

Athol, MA (August 20, 2026) – A 75-year-old woman died on Tuesday, August 18, after a vehicle struck her on Tower Road in Athol the previous afternoon.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Monday, August 17.

Initial findings indicate that the woman was walking in a crosswalk outside Market Basket when the vehicle hit her. The 49-year-old woman driving the vehicle remained at the crash site.

Emergency units arrived shortly after receiving the call and found the pedestrian with serious injuries. She was flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she later died.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. 

The Athol Police Department and Massachusetts State Police continue investigating the collision.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Athol, MA?

In Athol and throughout Massachusetts, the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate generally files a wrongful death claim. Relatives may receive compensation through the case, but they typically do not file individually unless appointed to represent the estate.

When the deceased person leaves a will, it may name an executor to serve as the estate’s representative. If no valid will exists, the probate court can appoint an administrator to manage the estate and pursue the claim.

Once the representative is appointed, Massachusetts law determines which relatives may receive compensation. A surviving spouse and children may qualify as beneficiaries, while the deceased person’s next of kin may qualify under other family circumstances.

After the claim begins, compensation may cover funeral and burial expenses, lost income, household services, care, guidance, and companionship. The amount available depends on the deceased person’s contributions and relationships with surviving relatives.

Because the representative acts for the eligible beneficiaries, family disagreements may complicate important decisions. Relatives may have different views about the claim’s value, a settlement offer, or how the proceeds should be distributed.

Before accepting an offer, the representative should determine whether it accounts for the family’s complete losses. Funeral bills, income records, medical documents, and information about household contributions can help show the harm caused by the death.

As insurance questions arise, a wrongful death lawyer can explain who may represent the estate and benefit from the claim. An attorney can also communicate with insurers and help the family evaluate settlement proposals.

Losing a family member in a pedestrian crash in Athol can bring difficult financial, insurance, and legal questions. At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we can review the available information and explain the options your family may have.

To discuss a fatal pedestrian crash in Athol, contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568. A conversation with our team can help you understand the claims process and decide how to move forward.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.