Jesse Johansmeyer, Northampton teen killed by vehicle, remembered as hard worker, outdoorsman
Jesse Johansmeyer loved the outdoors. If he wasn’t rock climbing, bridge jumping, river swimming, surfing, skiing, snowboarding or hiking, you would catch him going on simple, carefree walks with his dog, the 19-year-old’s obituary read.
Johansmeyer died Saturday, March 24, in a tragic incident in a Hatfield cornfield. On Friday night, he and others attended a bonfire in an area known as the Hatfield meadows off Great Neponset Road and South Street near the Connecticut River, the Northwestern District Attorney’s office said. After the bonfire, investigators believe Johansmeyer was hit by a white pickup truck, whose driver left the crash scene.
Some individuals at the bonfire stayed and called 911 trying to get Johansmeyer help, according to Northampton Attorney Michael Aleo.
The Northampton teen was brought to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he died early Saturday morning, the district attorney’s office said. The incident is under investigation by Hatfield Police and the Massachusetts State Police.
Johansmeyer was a Northampton High School graduate who played hockey and lacrosse for the Easthampton Eagles. When he wasn’t outdoors Johansmeyer would play his favorite video games over Steam.
Even at a young age, Johansmeyer was known as a hard worker alongside his brother at Jebediah’s Property Maintenance. He also worked for the Town of Hadley Department of Public Works and most recently at Aaron’s Towing, his obituary read.
Johansmeyer leaves behind his loving parents; Darlene Thorpe and Michael Johansmeyer. His devoted siblings; Willow Vandoloski and her husband Wade of Hadley and Jeb Johansmeyer of Florence. His many close friends-Ginger, Matt, Meg McCutcheon and the McCutcheon family, Max, Chris, Clark, Ian, Luke, Ryan and Ben.
His loved ones are hosting a celebration of life for Jesse Johansmeyer at the Hadley Young Men’s Club on May 13, additional information about the ceremony can be found in Johansmeyer’s obituary.
“Jesse always had a smile and a wave for his neighbor. He enjoyed talking about his different vehicles and playing with the dogs in the backyard. I will miss Jesse’s spirit,” Edward Procon wrote in Johansmeyer’s obituary.
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