Jacob’s Pillow, a renowned dance center in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts, announced it has canceled the rest of its summer festival following a workplace accident in which an employee was killed.
Production manager Kat (Kathryn) Sirico died on August 1 while moving platforms used for staging across the Jacob’s Pillow property in Becket. According to an account reported by the district attorney:
“The platforms were on a dolly. As the victim and intern began moving the dolly down a sloped area, they lost control of the dolly, and it began to roll. The decedent attempted to regain control of the dolly; however, tripped and fell. The dolly ran over the decedent and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on the decedent. Bystanders attempted life saving measures.”
Sirico, from Rochester, New York, preferred to be identified with the pronouns they/them/their.
“Kat was an alumni of the Pillow and an essential part of our team, and their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together,” the trustees said in announcing the tragedy.
The performance schedule was set to run through August 24. The arts center said ticket buyers will receive refunds.
“For 93 years, Jacob’s Pillow has been a haven for dance and a community dedicated to its creation, presentation, education, and preservation. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to our campus,” the dance center’s announcement stated.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating what officials have called a workplace accident. No criminal charges are expected.
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