Saugus HS Basketball Coach Killed After Being Trapped Under Heavy Machinery

The 57-year-old was operating a Bobcat machine on his property Friday afternoon when it rolled over and trapped him

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A 57-year-old Saugus man and high school basketball coach was killed after a piece of heavy machinery he was operating overturned, police said.

Mark Bertrand was operating a Bobcat machine on his property Friday afternoon when it rolled over and trapped him, according to Saugus police.

Emergency crews responded and transported Bertrand to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital with serious injuries.

Saugus police announced Saturday that Bertrand had died of his injuries.

Bertrand, a graduate of Saugus High School, was also a boys' basketball coach for the school.

"The Bertrand family is widely recognized as the "First Family of Saugus Basketball" and Mark's presence and influence will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him," Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem and Athletic Director Terri Pillsbury said in a statement Saturday.

"As we grieve the loss of this tremendous person and honor his legacy, as always, we stand together to support each other during these difficult times."

Hashem and Pillsbury described Bertrand as a "valued member" of the town, "pillar" of the community around Saugus and a "true family man."

The pair said they would be offering support to staff, families, friends and players close to Bertrand remotely due to COVID-19.

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