A Vermont man has been charged in relation to the tragic drowning death of his 2-year-old son, who authorities say lost his life in a brook while his father attempted to flee a car crash scene.
Darel A. Galorenzo, 35, of Readsboro, Vermont, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges including manslaughter, child endangerment, negligent motor vehicle operation, and operating under the influence.
According to a press release from Massachusetts State Police, the young boy died after his father lost him in a brook while running away from a car crash. Officers responded to the crash in Clarksburg just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, where they discovered Galorenzo near a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek.
State troopers and Clarksburg firefighters immediately began searching Hudson Brook for the child. The boy was pulled from the water at around 2:20 a.m., and emergency responders initiated first-aid in an attempt to revive him. He was then taken to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
A police report cited by NBC Boston suggested that Galorenzo likely lost his grip on the child while attempting to wade through the swift current and cold water. Troopers observing Galorenzo believed him to be intoxicated, and he was taken to Berkshire Medical Center under police guard for evaluation. He was later arrested and charged.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges relating to the toddler’s death are anticipated.
Galorenzo appeared in Northern Berkshire District Court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $250,000, and a pretrial date has been scheduled for May 8, 2023. It is currently unclear whether Galorenzo has retained legal representation.