Taconic HS Golfer, Brodie Slonski, 17, Fatally Shot in Pittsfield Crash: Mother Amy Mourns Son One Year After Losing Husband to Cancer
Brodie's light may have been extinguished too soon, but it will shine forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
October 29, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 29, 2026
The Pittsfield community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Brodie Slonski, a Taconic High School senior and beloved football player, who was tragically killed in a shooting followed by a car crash on October 26, 2026.
The incident happened in the city’s Morningside neighborhood, leaving his family, friends, and neighbors in shock and sorrow.
Brodie was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, as Brodie William Slonski Laplante, the son of Amy Slonski.
He was their only child, a bright light in their lives. Amy, his mother, has been the constant pillar in Brodie’s world.
His grandmother Linda, aunt Jennifer Wojtkowski, and stepsiblings Kaelen and Kailee were also part of his close-knit family.
Brodie grew up surrounded by love, and he returned it in full measure with his sincere, giving nature.
Just one year before this unthinkable loss, Amy suffered another profound heartbreak.
On October 26, 2026, exactly one year to the day before Brodie’s death, her husband, passed away at the age of 50.
Sean was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who fought a long and valiant battle with cancer.
He was more than a stepfather to Brodie; he was a guiding figure in the young man’s life.
The family had barely begun to heal from Sean’s death when tragedy struck again.
Now, Amy faces the unimaginable pain of losing her only son, just as she was still mourning her husband.
That Sunday Evening, Events Moved Quickly and Turned Dreadful
At around 6:14 p.m., of a single-vehicle crash in the area of 17 Parker Street.
Officers arrived to find a Honda HR-V crashed into a tree on Franco Terrace, near the intersection with Parker Street.
The steering wheel and side curtain airbags had deployed, and debris was scattered across the road.
Inside the vehicle, behind the driver’s seat, was Brodie—the sole occupant and a juvenile at the time.
When first responders removed him from the car, they discovered a gunshot wound to his chest.
He was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center, but despite efforts to save him, Brodie succumbed to his injuries.
The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into what they are treating as a homicide.
Preliminary findings show the vehicle was traveling down Franco Terrace toward Parker Street when it veered off and struck the tree.
It’s still unclear exactly how the shooting occurred or if Brodie was driving.
Police have canvassed the neighborhood, asking residents to check home surveillance footage for any clues. They remain at the scene for hours, collecting evidence.
Neighbors recall hearing the chaos. One woman, who wished to stay anonymous, said she heard a gunshot just after 6 p.m., followed by a loud bang that she believed was the car hitting the tree.
She looked out her window, saw the deployed airbags, and immediately called 911. Another person checked on Brodie while waiting for help. Police arrived swiftly and blocked off the area.
The incident has rattled the neighborhood on Tyler Street.
While some residents note the area has grown quieter in recent years after a development company bought and rented out homes, others mention a nearby house with frequent traffic that raises concerns.
However, police have not linked the shooting to any specific address. It’s unknown how many shots were fired, and the motive remains a mystery.
Family members say they have no idea what could have led to this violence.
“He was a good kid. He was a good kid,”
ViaHis grandmother, Linda, repeated in her grief, emphasizing how Brodie always held others in high regard.
Brodie had just received his driver’s license in September 2026, a milestone that filled him with excitement for the independence ahead.
At Taconic High School, he was a dedicated senior enrolled in the metal fabrication program. He dreamed of turning that skill into a career after graduation.
Earlier in his high school years, Brodie played on the golf and bowling teams.
He was part of the bowling team that won the 2026 Massachusetts State Bowling High School Division II championship, earning official recognition from Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti.
Outside of school, Brodie worked at Subway, where coworkers loved his work ethic.
They had promised him a promotion to manager on his 18th birthday, just months away.
In his younger years, he played baseball and basketball, showing his natural athletic talent from an early age.
Messages of Tribute have come in From People who Knew Him Well
Amy, crushed by the loss of both her husband and son in such a short time, shared a heartfelt video of Brodie’s childhood memories.
“Mom & Dad are crushed… you are the light in our lives Brodie William Slonski Laplante now and forever… so sincere, giving and talented as all hell.. The scum that did this …..”
ViaShe wrote, her words raw with pain.
Paul Newman, who treated Brodie like a son, posted a touching remembrance:
Uncle AY echoed the community’s sorrow:
“The Pittsfield community is heartbroken after the tragic loss of 17-year-old Brodie Slonski, a senior at Taconic High School, who was fatally shot on October 26, 2026. Brodie, known for his dedication to academics, athletics, and his job, was remembered as a hardworking, kind-hearted young man with a bright future ahead. His death has left a deep void in the community, with memorials being set up in his honor. ‘He had so much to offer, and it’s a tragic loss,’ said a friend. The investigation into his homicide is ongoing. Our thoughts are with Brodie’s family, friends, and the entire Pittsfield community. Let’s continue to remember Brodie for the positivity and dedication he shared with everyone.”
ViaBrodie Slonski’s parents, Amy and Matthew, raised a remarkable young man full of promise.
Amy’s double loss has deepened the family’s grief, but Brodie’s memory lives on in the stories of his kindness, talent, and joy.
He is survived by his mother, Amy, grandmother, Linda, stepsiblings, Kaelen and Kailee, aunt Jennifer Wojtkowski, and many others who cherished him.
As the investigation continues, the community holds vigils and sets up memorials.
People share condolences and prayers, heartbroken over the loss of such a young and brilliant teenager. “This isn’t something that any loved one would want to hear,” one neighbor said.
Brodie’s light may have been extinguished too soon, but it will shine forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
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