Mother dies after falling while hiking in Massachusetts’ Purgatory Chasm

A Massachusetts mother of four out for a hike died this week after falling more than 50 feet in Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton, Massachusetts.

The 49-year-old from Topsfield, Massachusetts, fell while hiking with three of her children Wednesday afternoon. While medical professionals who were hiking in the area provided care at the scene, she died from her wounds soon after falling, the Sutton Police Department said.

Police did not identify the woman, but she has been identified by friends and family as Carolyn Sanger.

“She’s an amazing, amazing human. She was the brightness and the light on a dark day for a lot of people. The kids and I have been talking about her, printed out some pictures, and telling stories. Just because she’s not physically here doesn’t mean she’s gone,” her husband, Michael Sanger, told WCVB-TV.

Ms. Sanger had recently opened the Balanced Body wellness center in Topsfield, with its grand opening scheduled for May 17.

“She was finally able to find her dream and start her own business. She was just so calm and peaceful, you just went towards that like a light almost,” Mr. Sanger told WHDH-TV.

Sutton police said they are investigating but they believe the fall was accidental. Friends of the Sanger family agreed.