A tragic incident unfolded in Clarksburg, Massachusetts on April 8, when a father, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, left the scene of a car accident, resulting in the drowning of his two-year-old son in a nearby brook.
Darel A. Galorenzo, a 35-year-old from Readsboro, Vermont, has been charged with manslaughter, child endangerment, operating a vehicle while impaired, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Galorenzo has entered a not guilty plea to all counts.
The accident took place in the middle of the night near the Vermont border. Authorities believe that Galorenzo was intoxicated when he crashed his 2015 Subaru Crosstrek SUV, causing it to roll over. He then ran from the crash scene with his toddler son.
The police were notified of the incident at 1:58 a.m. and arrived on the scene shortly after. At approximately 2:20 a.m., officers discovered the child submerged in water and administered first aid. Unfortunately, the young boy was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Galorenzo was also taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
During questioning, Galorenzo told investigators that his son had ventured into the brook and that he had lost sight of him while attempting to navigate the water. Police suspect that Galorenzo may have fallen and inadvertently let go of his son, who subsequently drowned in the icy, fast-moving water.
Galorenzo claimed that he had been driving his son around to help him fall asleep and that ice on the road had caused the accident. He insisted that his son had run away from the crash site and entered the brook on his own. However, authorities allege that Galorenzo’s impaired state likely played a role in the crash.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office has indicated that additional charges related to the toddler’s death may be forthcoming.
Galorenzo’s bail has been set at $250,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on May 8.