Retired Ophthalmologist Killed by Falling Tree in Lenox Park

Fatal Storm Incident in Kennedy Park

Passing hikers found Evenchik unresponsive on a trail in Kennedy Park at approximately 1:20 p.m., not far from the parking lot near the Aspinwall Road entrance, Lenox police Sergeant Michael Smith said in a press release. Emergency responders arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. Lenox police, firefighters, the Department of Public Works, Lenox Ambulance, and the State Police Detective Unit assigned by the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office responded to the incident. Severe weather battered the county throughout the day. The weather on this day was dangerous with many trees down throughout the county, Sergeant Smith said, noting that a separate tree had fallen on an unoccupied parked car on Sunset Avenue earlier that afternoon.

Legacy of Berkshire Eye Center Co-Founder

Evenchik retired in late 2021 from the Berkshire Eye Center, where he served as a founder and president. Kimberly Clark, chief executive of the practice, worked with him for two decades and remembered him as a mentor and one of the kindest, nicest, [and] compassionate colleagues. He was one of the best, Clark said, adding that he took great joy in performing eye surgeries and helping patients see more clearly. He’s going to be sorely missed, beyond words. The Berkshire Eye Center shared a statement on Facebook noting that through his skill and commitment, he helped thousands of people regain their sight and improve their lives. Community members also mourned his loss across the region. Rabbi Val Lieber of Temple Anshe Amunim wrote in an email to The Berkshire Eagle that Evenchik was very active in the community, brought a warm presence to local arts scenes, and served on the board of Hancock Shaker Village. He is predeceased by his wife, Reba Evenchik, who died earlier this year.