December 10, 2013 – Charles Hoffman, 71, of Easthampton, Massachusetts has died as the result of serious personal injuries sustained when his pickup was involved in a head car crash with a van driven by Mauricio Velasquez, 32, of Springfield. Velasquez’ three year old daughter, who was a passenger in the van him, also died. The accident occurred on Hendrick Street in Easthampton at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Hoffman and the three year old girl were transported by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead upon their arrival to the hospital. Hoffman’s wife, Janice Hoffman, 69, Velasquez, and another passenger in his car, Milder Velasquez, 25, were also taken to Baystate and treated for their injuries. Janice Hoffman remains in critical condition.
The Northwestern’s District Attorney’s Office stated Hoffman’s pickup was struck when Velazquez lost control of his van, hit the guard rail and crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic. Velasquez has been charged with several offenses, including motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol in violation of G.L. c. 90 § 24G, two counts of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol resulting in serious injury in violation of G.L. c. 90 § 24L, and several civil traffic violations.
Mr. Velasquez was arraigned on Monday in Springfield District Court and his bail was set at $100,000.
Sources: MassLive and Boston.com