Lanesborough, Massachusetts – On Wednesday, August 7th, Susanna Thomas, 47, of Cheshire, MA, tragically lost her life in a fiery car crash on Partridge Road in Lanesborough. The Lanesborough Police Department, along with other first responders, arrived at the scene within 90 seconds of being dispatched, only to find Thomas’s vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire, Thomas was found deceased in the driver’s seat.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:10 p.m., and early investigations suggest that Thomas’s vehicle was traveling at a high speed when it struck a tree. A nearby resident reported hearing a loud boom, prompting them to call 911. Notably, no tire tracks were found at the scene, and no sounds were heard indicating that Thomas attempted to brake before the collision.
Susanna Thomas was a well-known figure in her community, often volunteering at Berkshire Pathways, raising funds for Alzheimer’s research, and helping out at local events like vacation bible camps and the St. Mary’s Bazaar. Her sudden passing has left the community in deep mourning.
On social media, many expressed their condolences and sadness over the loss. Dawn Bator commented, "Condolences to the family and friends, especially first responders who had to witness this." Debbie Fassell added, "Thank you for handling this situation as delicately as possible; Ms. Thomas’s relatives and friends, we send our deepest condolences; wishing them the strength needed to cope with a truly devastating loss." Stephanie Bordeau shared, "So very sad, thoughts and prayers to the family," while Mary Boschetti simply stated, "Condolences to those that loved her."
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by local and state authorities. The tragic incident has shaken the small community, highlighting the dangers of speeding and the profound impact such losses have on loved ones and the wider community.