For Immediate Release

Friday, May 6, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Statement of Great Barrington Town Manager and Police Chief Regarding the Sudden Death of Police Officer Ryan Storti

GREAT BARRINGTON — Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin and Police Chief William Walsh wish to issue statements on the sudden death of Police Officer Ryan Storti early this morning.

On Friday, May 6, at approximately 2 a.m., Officer Storti, age 25, who was off duty, was driving on Prospect Hill Road in Stockbridge. He was on his way home to Great Barrington, when he lost control of his truck and struck a tree on the side of the road.

Officer Storti began working at the Great Barrington Police Department in March of 2014. He was a recent graduate of the Western Mass Police Academy in Springfield, a 2012 graduate of Berkshire Community College and a 2008 graduate of Monument Mountain Regional High School.

“Officer Storti was a rising star for our police department. I am devastated to learn of his sudden death,” Town Manager Tabakin said. “This is a tragedy and an enormous loss for the Police, our Town and the entire community. Our hearts go out to Ryan’s family and all who loved him and worked with him every day in public service. He will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.”

“Officer Storti was a wonderful young man and police officer,” Chief Walsh said. “He was everything we wanted in a police officer and was part of our future. We’re all struggling right now as we also try to support Ryan’s family. Please keep them all in your thoughts”.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Officer Storti was the lone occupant of the vehicle. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Stockbridge Police, and no further information is available at this time.

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