Daughter issues touching tribute after engaged Massachusetts woman dies in crash

Berlin, NH – On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at approximately 3:20 p.m., NH Fish and Game was notified of a possible fatal snowmobile crash on Corridor 12 in the town of Berlin, near Androscoggin Valley Hospital.

Berlin Police Officers were first on scene, as it was a short distance from the back parking lot of the hospital. The officers were attempting lifesaving measures when members of the Berlin Fire Department and Berlin Ambulance EMS arrived. Two Fish and Game Conservation Officers also responded but were a significant distance from the scene. EMS personnel were unable to resuscitate 56-year-old Stacey McGarry of Billerica as the injuries sustained in the crash were too severe to survive.

The initial investigation at the scene and an interview with the only witness to the crash revealed that McGarry and a passenger on the back of the snowmobile were travelling west on Corridor 12 when she failed to make a right-hand turn in the trail. It appears that she did not attempt to make the turn and instead went straight off the trail, striking a rock which caused the snowmobile to become airborne. The snowmobile then struck a tree causing the fatal injuries to the operator and ejecting the passenger.

The only witness to the crash was McGarry’s passenger, who although thrown from the machine was otherwise physically uninjured. The passenger called 911 eliciting the emergency response. The snowmobile McGarry was operating was a rental machine from Northeast Snowmobile and ATV Rentals in Gorham which she had rented earlier that day. It is believed that McGarry had limited or no previous snowmobiling experience.

At this time, it appears that speed and inexperience are the leading factors in this crash.

McGarry’s daughter issued a touching tribute on social media.

“I write this with pain in my heart. 27 years wasn’t long enough. Yesterday I lost my mom in a tragic snow mobile accident. 💔 I don’t know the rest of the words to write. It hurts. I am sad I am mad, and I am confused. But my mom did her part. She raised two amazing children and prepared us for this world. She was the BEST mom BEST friend and BEST wife and BEST partner. I am not sure why you got taken away from me so soon. My mom always made the best of every situation and brightens up any room she walks in. The life of the party! If you needed mom, she was there. I will live through our memories for the rest of my life and take in all the photos I have forever. I love you mommy and not a day goes by that I won’t be thinking of you.”

Others described McGarry as selfless and caring who left a mark on those who knew her.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica Sunday, January 28, from 1 – 4 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish in St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.