SPENCER, Mass. (AP) — Authorities in Massachusetts say a prominent defense attorney was killed when a crowbar flew through the windshield of his SUV and struck him in the head.

Police say 63-year-old John Madaio, of Paxton, was driving east on Route 9 in Spencer at about 10 a.m. Monday when a crowbar either fell from another vehicle or was kicked up and went through the windshield.

Madaio’s vehicle left the roadway, struck a parked car and went over an embankment before it came to a stop. First responders broke the passenger window to reach Madaio.

Madaio was taken to Harrington Hospital where he later died.


Madaio had previously worked for the Worcester district attorney’s office.

The death remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Spencer police.