Man found dead in vehicle off Burts Pit Road

NORTHAMPTON — Police and firefighters responded to an area off Burts Pit Road early Friday morning after a man was found dead in a vehicle, according to the Northwestern district attorney’s office.

The circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain under investigation and no foul play is suspected, Mary Carey, a spokeswoman for the DA’s office, wrote in a statement early Friday afternoon. Carey stated that there is no concern for public safety. The DA’s office did not release the man’s identity. 

Northampton police and firefighters, along with State Police and members of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services responded to the area near what is informally known as the dog park off Burts Pit Road early Friday morning. Carey said the firefighters were on scene because a small fire apparently occurred inside the vehicle where the man was found dead. The cause of death will be determined by the chief medical examiner’s office. 

Additionally, a hazmat team responded to the incident due to the fire, the Fire Department confirmed.

Police officers directed early morning dog walkers away from the property and city resident Eric Payne said he noticed the police presence at the dog park on his morning commute to work as early as 7:30 a.m. Payne said he also noticed an ATV vehicle being unloaded by the Fire Department and wondered if perhaps there was a search party underway.

“It’s usually pretty peaceful and not many incidents at the park,” Payne said.