Officials identify Topsfield mom who fell to her death while hiking with kids at Purgatory Chasm

SUTTON, Mass. — Officials on Thursday identified the Topsfield mother of four who fell to her death while she was hiking with several of her children at Sutton’s Purgatory Chasm on Wednesday.

49-year-old Carolyn Sanger was with three of her four children inside the state park when she fell between 50 and 70 feet, the Worcester County DA’s office said.

State police troopers responded to the 100-acre state park just after 2:00 p.m. for the reported fall and pronounced Sanger dead at the scene.

Her kids then ran and alerted park rangers, Sutton police said.

“We offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of the decedent,” a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson said in a statement.

Troopers secured the scene, and the incident is under investigation by the State Police Detectives with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.

“It’s absolutely tragic,” said Alexis Claudio at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation Wednesday. “I honestly can’t even believe something like this would happen, especially so close. It’s absolutely insane.”

Makenna Mancuso told Boston 25 she’s been hiking the area since she was a child.

She added, “I know these trails, and like, to think somebody got hurt here is upsetting.”

Boston 25 crews spoke with Sanger’s brother, who said he was at the reservation to retrieve her belongings just hours after she fell.

The reservation holds a .25-mile-long, 70-foot-deep chasm that splits granite bedrock.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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