Cohasset Police Discover Body on Side of the Road; Residents Not in Danger

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Police at the scene on April 8, 2023. (Cohasset Police)

Cohasset police and fire responded to a 9-1-1 call from a dog walker at about 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023. The caller was reporting a possible dead body on the side of the road near James Lane and Cushing Road.

Arriving officers determined a male, who was later identified as a 40-year-old Cohasset resident, was deceased. Cohasset Detectives and Troopers assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the cause, manner, and circumstances surrounding this death. There is no initial indication of foul play, and residents are not in danger.

The body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office, and an autopsy will be performed.

Town of Cohasset Offers Safety Tips Ahead of Arctic Blast

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The Town of Cohasset, Cohasset Police, Cohasset Fire and the Cohasset Emergency Management Agency would like to provide cold weather and ice safety tips to the community ahead of what is forecast to be a dangerously cold weekend.

From Friday into Saturday morning, an arctic blast is forecast to move through the northeast region of the U.S. with local temperatures predicted by the National Weather Service (NWS) to be in the single digits, with wind chills predicted to fall below -20°F.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold weather-induced illnesses such as frostbite can occur even in temperatures above 40°F if a person becomes chilled by rain or sweat, or is submerged in cold water.

The Town of Cohasset, Cohasset Police, Cohasset Fire and the Cohasset Emergency Management Agency wish to share the following tips from the CDC to help keep residents safe in cold weather situations and conditions:

When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:

  • A hat
  • Scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
  • Long sleeves that are snug at the wrist
  • Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
  • Water-resistant coat and boots

Residents are also reminded to layer their clothing strategically:

  • When choosing an inner layer, wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and fabrics that do not absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
  • Wear a layer of clothing for insulation. An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or a fleece work best.
  • Select your outer layer carefully. The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably water and wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat.

Other tips

  • Try to stay dry while outdoors, as wet clothing chills the body quickly.
  • Excess sweating will cause the body to lose more heat, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.
  • Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while deicing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. Getting these on your skin will cause your body to lose more heat.
  • Do not ignore shivering, as it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.
  • If you decide to go out on the ice, be mindful of the following ice safety tips:
    • Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you from shore or go for help if you fall through the ice.
    • Go out onto the ice prepared. Make sure to have a cell phone with you in case of emergency, as well as rope or ice picks to help you or someone you’re with should someone fall in.
    • Measure ice in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice that is two inches thick or less should be avoided completely. Four inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or any other activity on foot.
    • If someone falls through the ice, call 911. If you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.).

For additional information from the CDC regarding cold weather safety, click here.

Space heaters

The Town of Cohasset, Cohasset Police, Cohasset Fire and the Cohasset Emergency Management Agency would also like to provide the following safety tips regarding space heaters from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • When buying a heater, look for one that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL).
  • Keep the heater 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other flammable materials.
  • Place the heater on a level surface away from areas where someone might bump into  it and knock it over.
  • Avoid using extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy-duty cord marked with a power rating at least as high as that on the label of the heater itself.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep. Supervise children and pets when a space heater is in use.
  • Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in  the bathroom.

Take care of your pet

Pet owners are also reminded to take precautions during cold weather. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cold tolerance varies from pet to pet, and owners should be aware of their pet’s tolerance and adjust their activities accordingly.

No pet should be left outside for long periods of time during below-freezing weather. Owners should check their dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. Following a walk, owners should also wipe down their pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove chemicals such as deicers or antifreeze.

It is also recommended that you check underneath your car, bang on the hood and honk the horn as a warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor or feral cats. For more tips regarding cold weather and animals, visit the AVMA.

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Cohasset Police Share Norfolk District Attorney’s Statement Regarding Ana Walshe

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The Cohasset Police Department shares the following statement from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office regarding Ana Walshe:

“Please click here if you wish to view/use a video of Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey announce the issuance of a murder warrant in the death of Ana Walshe, 39, missing from Cohasset since on or about New Year’s Day.
The warrant was issued from Quincy District Court today January 17, 2023; the arraignment may be as soon as 9 a.m. tomorrow dependent on defense attorney availability. NDAO will forward arraignment date when confirmed. Thank you.”
Statement Courtesy of the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.

Cohasset Police Seeking Public’s Assistance in Identifying Vehicle Involved in Hit-and-Run of Dog

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Chief William Quigley reports that the Cohasset Police Department is actively seeking the public’s help in identifying a vehicle that was involved in a hit-and-run involving a dog.

On Monday, Nov. 21 at approximately 7:55 a.m., the Cohasset Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of Pond Street and Clay Spring Road for a report of a vehicle crash involving a dog.

The dog was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle involved fled the scene.

As of Tuesday morning, the operator has not yet come forward or been identified.

Cohasset Police are actively looking for a 2011-22 white Jeep Grand Cherokee with chrome trim that is believed to be the vehicle involved in this incident. The vehicle is believed to have damage to the right front end.

As part of the ongoing investigation, Cohasset Police obtained video surveillance from the area and wish to share that footage with the public, with the hope that someone might recognize the vehicle involved.

Anyone with information on this incident, or information on the vehicle involved, is asked to call the Cohasset Police Natural Resources Officer Josh Kimball at  781-383-1055 ext. 6125.

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Town of Cohasset and Cohasset Police Department Offer Halloween Safety Tips

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COHASSET — Town Manager Christopher Senior and Police Chief William Quigley would like to share guidance and safety tips as Halloween approaches to help Cohasset residents and families celebrate safely this season. 

Halloween, which is celebrated yearly on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. The official trick-or-treating hours for Cohasset will be from 4-8 p.m.

Costume Safety

Families are encouraged to be mindful of safety when choosing costumes. All props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision or movement. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by following below guidelines from the FDA, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.
  • Costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
  • Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
  • Wear bright, reflective costumes, add strips of reflective tape, or hold a flashlight while walking so you’ll be more visible. 
  • Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision. Make sure the costumes aren’t so long that you’re in danger of tripping.
  • Test the makeup you plan to use in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that’s a sign of a possible allergy.
  • Vibrantly colored makeup is popular at Halloween. Check the FDA’s list of color additives to see if the colors are FDA-approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use them. This is especially important for colored makeup around the eyes.
  • Remove any makeup before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
  • Don’t wear decorative (colored) contact lenses that appear to change how your eyes look due to the risk of eye injury, unless you have seen an eye care professional for a proper fitting and have been given instructions for how to use the lenses. 

Trick-or-Treating Safety

According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:

  • A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds.
  • If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow. 
  • Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.
  • Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
  • Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
  • Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
  • Walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury. Always look both ways before crossing the street, and use established crosswalks wherever possible. Walk, don’t run, across the street. 
  • Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down and keep their heads up to stay alert and avoid distracted walking.

Driving Safety

Each year, Halloween is traditionally celebrated with trick-or-treating and parties — and candy and drinks. Unfortunately, the night can include impaired drivers on the streets. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to keep Halloween safe. 

  • Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
  • On Halloween there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
  • Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop and wait for them to pass.
  • Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.
  • If you see a potentially impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

The Town of Cohasset and the Cohasset Police Department wish the community a safe and happy Halloween!

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