Michael R. Laliberte Obituary, Death – On Friday afternoon, a two-vehicle collision on College Highway in Southampton resulted in the death of a local man and injuries to two others. According to the Southampton Fire Department, the incident occurred around 3:28 p.m. on Route 10, in front of Cumberland Farms. Emergency responders from both Southampton and the Easthampton Fire Department arrived on the scene after the latter provided mutual aid. Upon arrival, crews discovered that the crash had caused significant damage to both vehicles involved and left three people injured.
All three victims were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office later confirmed that one of the injured, 74-year-old Michael R. Laliberte of Southampton, had succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.
The two other individuals injured in the accident were reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and they are expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities temporarily closed College Highway between Gunn Road and Dunkin’ to allow emergency services to work safely and to give investigators time to examine the scene. This closure lasted several hours before the roadway was reopened later that evening.
The Southampton Police Department, in coordination with the Massachusetts State Police, has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. While no immediate details about the contributing factors were released, investigators are likely reviewing evidence such as vehicle positions, road conditions, and witness statements to determine how the collision occurred.
The community is mourning the loss of Laliberte, a longtime Southampton resident. His passing adds to the emotional toll on the area, as fatal accidents often leave lasting effects on friends, family, and neighbors.
In the meantime, local law enforcement is urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly along busy stretches of College Highway, where traffic volumes can be high and the risk of collisions increased. The incident serves as another reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, such as maintaining appropriate speeds, avoiding distractions, and remaining alert to other motorists.
As the investigation continues, officials may release additional information about what caused the tragic accident. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families, ensuring public safety, and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The crash marks yet another serious motor vehicle accident in Hampshire County, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance on the road. While both Southampton and Easthampton emergency services were praised for their swift response, the ultimate goal remains reducing the number of serious and fatal accidents in the community.
Laliberte’s death has left a void in Southampton, and his loss will be deeply felt by those who knew him. Authorities hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will contribute to safer roadways for everyone.