WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — A West Bridgewater man has died after falling into a fire pit in his backyard and his family believes his recent Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis played a role in the tragic accident.
Paul Mancinelli, 50, succumbed to his injuries at a Boston hospital Wednesday afternoon. His sister, Cathy Mancinelli-O’Brien, told Boston 25 News he passed away peacefully.
First responders were called to Paul’s home on Ellis Avenue around 2:15 p.m. Monday for a report of a man who fell into a fire he was tending.
“Without hesitation and due to the nature of his burns, the crew immediately transported this patient to Good Samaritan Medical Center,” West Bridgewater Deputy Fire Chief Lincoln Thibault said.
Good Samaritan Medical Center summonsed a medical helicopter while an ambulance rushed Paul to the hospital. He was then flown to a Boston hospital for further treatment.
His family said he suffered damage to his trachea due to smoke inhalation and had third-degree burns to 40-percent of his upper body. He was placed into a medically induced coma and put on a ventilator.
This past September, doctors diagnosed Paul with Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is more commonly known as ALS. The disease targets the nervous system which causes weakened muscles and impacts physical function.
Paul leaves behind a wife. A GoFundMe has been created to help cover the cost of his funeral.
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