Mass. eye surgeon killed by falling tree during nor’easter

A former Pittsfield eye surgeon died after a falling tree struck him while he was hiking in Lenox amid a nor’easter over the weekend, authorities said. 

Around 1:20 p.m. Saturday, passing hikers discovered Bruce Evenchik unresponsive near the Kennedy Park parking lot, the Lenox Police Department said in a press release. 

First responders located him on the trail, where Evenchik, 78, was pronounced dead, police said. 

The Berkshire Eye Center in Pittsfield identified Evenchik as a “former partner and surgeon” in a Facebook post. The center’s website lists him as a current board member and co-partner. 

“His sudden and tragic passing is devastating to all who knew him,” the Berkshire Eye Center said. “Bruce was an integral part of the foundation of Berkshire Eye and dedicated his career to caring for patients throughout the Berkshires. Through his skill, compassion, and commitment, he helped thousands of people regain their sight and improve their lives.” 

The fatal incident occurred as a powerful nor’easter brought high winds and heavy rainfall to Massachusetts, knocking down trees and triggering coastal flooding. 

“The weather on this day was dangerous with many trees down throughout the county,” Lenox police said. 

The department noted that officers had also responded that weekend to a separate incident on Sunset Avenue, where a tree collapsed on an unoccupied parked car. There were no injuries in that incident, according to police.