PITTSFIELD, MA — The Pittsfield community is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of 17-year-old Brodie Slonski, a senior at Taconic High School. Brodie was found fatally shot in his car on Sunday evening, just before 6:30 p.m., in the Morningside neighborhood. Police discovered him unresponsive behind the wheel of a white Honda HR-V that had crashed into a tree near 17 Parker Street. Emergency responders quickly removed him from the vehicle and transported him to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators believe Brodie was traveling down Franco Terrace, a quiet residential street, before the crash. The vehicle was unoccupied except for Brodie, and authorities have not yet identified any suspects or determined a motive. The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is treating the incident as a homicide, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Brodie was a bright and hardworking student at Taconic High School, enrolled in the metal fabrication program. He had dreams of pursuing a career in that trade after graduation. His family described him as a kind, respectful, and family-oriented young man who cherished his loved ones. His grandmother, Linda Marie Slonski, and aunt, Jennifer Wojtkowski, spoke fondly of him, with Wojtkowski saying, “He was a good kid. He was a good kid.”
Outside of academics, Brodie was known for his positive attitude and dedication. He was a member of Taconic’s golf and bowling teams and was part of the group recognized by Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti for winning the 2024 Massachusetts State High School Division II Bowling Championship. Recently, he had been working at Subway, where he had been promised a manager position upon turning 18 — a reflection of his responsibility and drive.
Neighbors reported hearing a gunshot followed by a loud crash around the time of the incident. Emergency services arrived within minutes and remained on scene for hours, collecting evidence and asking residents to check their home surveillance cameras.
The tragic death of Brodie Slonski has shaken Pittsfield to its core. A bright, hardworking young man with a promising future, his loss is being felt by his family, classmates, teachers, and the entire community.
May Brodie’s memory live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and may justice be served for this senseless act of violence.
