SHELBURNE — Former Greenfield High School principal and athletic director Donna Woodcock was seriously injured and two passengers sustained injuries following a single-vehicle crash along the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) on Friday, according to fire officials.

According to a statement released by the Shelburne Fire Department, the crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. in the vicinity of Dragon Hill Road. Karen Woodcock, Donna’s sister, said the 65-year-old Greenfield resident suffered a “medical situation” that “caused her to veer off the road.” The SUV she was driving then “struck an embankment and rolled over multiple times, injuring the occupants,” according to the Fire Department.

“Shelburne Police and Fire Departments arrived within five minutes and found that the injured individuals were fortunate to receive immediate care from an off-duty law enforcement officer, nurse, firefighter and others,” the Fire Department stated.

State Police, Charlemont Police and ambulances from Colrain and Northfield also responded, according to the Shelburne Fire Department.

Donna Woodcock was flown to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Her parents, who were also in the vehicle, were hospitalized, too.

According to Karen Woodcock and the Fire Department, the father, Courtney Woodcock, was airlifted to the trauma center at Baystate Medical Center, while the mother, Barbara Woodcock, was transported to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield for evaluation. Karen Woodcock said both parents are “very sore and healing,” while Courtney, whom the Fire Department said suffered “potentially life-threatening injuries,” is expected to begin rehabilitation soon. All were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, she added.

As of Monday afternoon, Karen Woodcock said her sister remains alive, despite erroneous reports circulating online that she has died.

Donna Woodcock was principal of Greenfield High School from 2008 to 2016. She also served as a longtime athletic director, field hockey coach and girl’s softball coach.

In the words of Karen Woodcock, her sister’s legacy can be characterized by “how much she loved Greenfield.” She added that Donna has devoted her life to “giving to others and helping people in need.” Karen Woodcock called her sister a “shining star” who has taken pride in helping students grow “strong and independent.”

The crash remains under investigation by State Police troopers assigned to the Detective Unit at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS) and the Crime Scene Services Section, according to a statement from the DA’s office. The Shelburne Police Department is also assisting with the investigation, the Fire Department noted in its statement.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.

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