A 49-year-old mother from Topsfield, Massachusetts, died after falling approximately 75 feet while hiking with her children at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation on Wednesday (April 23). The woman was hiking with three of her four children and other family members when the tragic accident occurred.

The incident happened around 1:47 p.m. when one of the children alerted a park ranger, who then called the police. Despite efforts from other hikers, including medical professionals, the mother succumbed to her injuries.

The Sutton Police Department is investigating the incident, which appears to be accidental. The trails at Purgatory Chasm are marked, but hikers have noted the presence of dangerous overhangs and sharp drops. Hiker Andy Spears emphasized the importance of being alert and prepared when hiking in such areas.

"There are trails above the chasm you can go along, dangerous overhangs if you’re going to the edge to look down," Spears told WCBV. "It's really sad that it had to happen at a place like this."

Sutton Police Chief Tom Calouro expressed condolences to the family, stating, "We extend our sympathies to the family from this tragic, tragic loss from this fall." The mother’s identity has not been released, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her fall continues.

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