GREAT BARRINGTON, M.A. (NEWS10) – Great Barrington residents have been mourning the sudden and tragic death of a young man. NEWS10’s Carina Dominguez spoke with the Berkshire District Attorney about the case and has the details on the fluke accident.
Officials said 20-year-old Wyeth Curtis was riding his motorcycle south on Route 7 when he struck a moose at night, killing them both instantly.
Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said it happened last Thursday, October 2, just after 10:30 P.M.
“And the moose just stepped out in front of him and he unfortunately hit the hindquarters of the moose,” said Shugrue.
Curtis was riding south on Route 7. Curtis was just south of Monument Mountain Regional High School when the collision happened. He said the bike went under the moose, and then…
“And then went across the road. There were two other vehicles that were traveling, coming northbound, that tried to avoid that – the motorcycle coming across that way – which caused a motor vehicle accident for two other people, two other cars,” said Shugrue.
He said Curtis did everything right, but he happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
“I feel bad for the young man. He’s just 20 years old. You know, like I said, not doing anything wrong, had the right equipment on. He had all the motorcycle gear that would be appropriate, leather, everything like that, boots, full helmet. He did everything we’ve asked people to do when they ride motorcycles, but nothing can happen, a tragic accident,” said Shugrue.
He said it was a fluke accident and said he’s never seen this type of accident over his career.
“We had fatalities in cars, but this is the first time I’ve seen where, actually, a poor motorcyclist hits and is killed. You gotta remember, you’re hitting like a brick wall. It’s 2,000 pounds. And so it’s a very sad situation. I really feel bad for the family. Seems like a nice young man. I think he’s loved by the community,’ said Shugrue.
Berkshire Bike and Board made a Facebook post expressing heartbreak. Curtis was the assistant manager and worked there since he was 14 years old. The cycling community is devastated, and so is Shugrue who recently lost his step daughter.
“Losing a child, and I can sympathize with the family, losing a child is just an awful thing to do. And having to bury that child is something that you’ll never forget and something you don’t want to do,” said Shugrue. “Sad, sad day for the family. I really feel bad for them. You know, losing a child is very difficult.”
Shugrue warns motorists to be careful while driving, especially at night and at dusk.
“That’s when we see a lot of the accidents with the animals,” said Shugrue.
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