Two women to be arraigned in Pittsfield student's death

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Two women are set to be arraigned in connection with the death of a Pittsfield middle school student.

A student at Herberg Middle School, 12-year-old Giver Essien of Pittsfield, drowned on July 17, 2024, while participating in a field trip organized through the Pittsfield Public Schools' 21st Century summer program. The outing took place at Beartown State Forest, a popular outdoor destination located in Great Barrington.

Earlier this year, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office announced the indictment of site supervisor Meghan Braley and program coordinator Linda Whitacre. They are both charged with involuntary manslaughter, permitting serious bodily injury of a child, and reckless endangerment of a child.

Both arraignments will take place on Monday at Berk