Driver sentenced after Franklin County crash that killed Athol woman

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Needham man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in connection with a fatal crash on Route 2 in Gill.

On June 30, 2023, Tracy Matthews, 57, of Athol, died after a two-vehicle crash on Route 2 near the Barton Cove intersection in Gill. A passenger in her vehicle and the driver of a Mazda MX5 Miata, 64 years old Benoit Marande from Needham were hospitalized but recovered.

Marande pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter on Monday, according to Laurie Loisel, spokeswoman for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Seven family members gave statements during the hearing.

He was sentenced to nine months in the Franklin House of Correction, of which he must serve 30 days behind bars and the remainder will be suspended for two years. His driver’s license was revoked for 15 years.

“The Commonwealth hopes that today’s verdict brings some measure of justice and closure to the Matthews family. The family was pleased that the court sentenced Mr. Marande to prison,” said ADA Covington. “The Commonwealth thanks the Massachusetts State Police and first responders for their efforts in this case.”