Man Killed When Crowbar Flies Through Windshield

SPENCER, MA—A well-known defense lawyer was killed Monday morning when a crowbar struck the windshield of his car.

John Madaio, 63, of Paxton, was driving his 2016 Toyota RAV 4 on Route 9 when a crowbar that bounced up from the road or fell from another vehicle shot through the windshield and hit him in the head, police said. The Toyota veered off the road, struck a curb and an unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot and rolled over an embankment before coming to a stop, police said.

First-responders had to break the passenger-side window to gain access to Madaio, police said. He was taken to Harrington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office was saddened to hear of the tragic passing of John Madaio today," Worcester County DA Joe Early Jr. said in a statement. "John was a great father, great lawyer and extremely well-respected member of the DA’s office for more than 15 years.

"More recently as a defense attorney, John was a dedicated advocate for his clients," the statement continued. "The entire DA’s office extends its heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Sue, his daughter Laura and his daughter and our colleague ADA Molly. John touched many people in his life with his sharp wit, his compassion and his legal abilities. He will be missed by all who knew him. This is a big loss for our community.”

Anyone who witnessed this accident is encouraged to contact the Spencer Police Department at 508-885-6333.

Photo via Spencer police