The sudden and tragic death of a beloved employee at Jacob’s Pillow, a renowned performance and festival space in Becket, Massachusetts, has been ruled an accidental workplace death.
According to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Kat Sirico, the production manager at Jacob’s Pillow, tragically died due to an accident that occurred on Friday, August 1. Sirico and an intern were moving staging platforms across the property on a dolly when the dolly began to roll uncontrollably down a sloped area. Sirico tried to regain control but tragically tripped and fell. The dolly ran over Sirico, and the platforms fell onto them.
Despite life-saving efforts performed by bystanders and the arrival of Becket Police and first responders, Sirico could not be revived. The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office stated that no criminal charges would be filed in relation to the incident, and Sirico’s cause of death will be confirmed by the medical examiner.
Jacob’s Pillow honored Sirico as a “beloved” member of the team, expressing deep grief at the loss. On social media, the company described Sirico as an “essential part of our team” whose “spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many.” The festival also stated that it was holding Sirico’s family, friends, and colleagues in their hearts during this difficult time.
In response to the tragic accident, all performances and events scheduled for the weekend of August 1-3 were canceled, and the campus was closed. The festival announced that performances would resume the following week.
Sirico had been part of the Jacob’s Pillow community since 2005, starting as an intern before advancing to roles including production manager and electrician at various theaters. They returned to Jacob’s Pillow in 2022 as an event production manager, and in February of 2023, Sirico became the Doris Duke Theater Production Manager.
This sudden loss has left the Jacob’s Pillow community devastated, as they mourn the loss of a colleague, friend, and integral part of the organization.
