The Berkshire District Attorney’s office has confirmed the identity of an Pittsfielder who took his own life in a homeless encampment Tuesday evening.
According to DA Andrea Harrington, the Pittsfield Police Department responded to a reported suicide in Springside Park just after 7 p.m. Tuesday. The deceased was identified as 33-year-old Derek LaRoche.
In a statement, Harrington called the death a heartbreaking tragedy and sent her condolences to the family.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the multitude of challenges members of our community face,” said the DA. “We ask the community to support one another, have compassion and understanding, and find ways to help lift the burdens and stresses we all feel.”
Harrington says her office’s Victim Witness Advocates are providing support to LaRoche’s family and witnesses to the death. Foul play is not believed to be involved in LaRoche’s death. The police investigation is ongoing.