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Berkshire Hiker Pronounced Dead

Tom Walsh
/
Wikipedia

A hiker was pronounced dead after an 8-hour rescue operation and 4-hour recovery search on Monument Mountain in Great Barrington.

67-year-old Joan Sussman of Sheffield reported an injury by cell phone at the top of the mountain Friday afternoon, but the call was interrupted and authorities were unable to reach her on subsequent calls.

The Great Barrington Police Department said thunderstorms delayed the rescue operation and made it impossible for a state helicopter to assist in the search. K-9 units were deployed and the woman was found after 10 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lucas Willard is the Executive Producer of WAMC's Northeast Notebook. After joining the station in 2011, Lucas has held several titles at WAMC, including Berkshire Bureau Chief, Southern Adirondack Bureau Chief, and Assistant News Director.
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