What to Know
- Spencer police said John Madaio, of Paxton, was driving along Route 9 when a crowbar was either kicked-up or fell from another vehicle.
- The crowbar struck Madaio's windshield and hit him in the head, causing his SUV to leave the road.
- Madaio then struck a curb, a parked vehicle and continued over an embankment before coming to a stop. He later died at a hospital.
A Massachusetts man was killed Monday morning in a crash involving a crowbar in Spencer.
Police were called to the Crestview Condominiums on Main Street just before 10 a.m. where a Toyota Rav 4 had crashed.
Authorities said an investigation showed that the driver, John Madaio, 63, of Paxton, was driving along Route 9 when a crowbar was either kicked-up or fell from another vehicle.
The crowbar struck Madaio's windshield and hit him in the head, causing his SUV to leave the road. Madaio then struck a curb, a parked vehicle and continued over an embankment before coming to a stop.
First responders had to break a passenger window to get Madaio out of the SUV. He was transported to Harrington Hospital where he later died.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early issued a statement saying Madaio worked as a former assistant district attorney and that the office was saddened to hear of his tragic passing.
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"John was a great father, great lawyer and extremely well-respected member of the DA’s office for more than 15 years," said Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. "More recently as a defense attorney, John was a dedicated advocate for his clients."
Madaio had just left the Western Worcester District Court in East Brookfield when the crash occurred. His longtime friend and fellow attorney, Peter Ettenberg, was in court speaking with him shortly before the crash.
"He was just glowing talking about his daughter's wedding shower over the past weekend," said Ettenberg. "He was looking forward so much to the wedding next month."
Madaio's family issued a statement following the tragic loss:
"We are deeply saddened to share that we lost our wonderful, loving husband and father this morning in a tragic accident. John was a beloved friend, colleague, family man and devoted member of the Worcester County Bar. He will be deeply missed by so many."
Early extended his condolences to Madaio's wife Sue, his daughter Laura, and his daughter Molly, who is an assistant district attorney.
"John touched many people in his life with his sharp wit, his compassion and his legal abilities. He will be missed by all who knew him. This is a big loss for our community," said Early.
The crash remains under investigation but authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Spencer Police Department at 508-885-6333.
