Hudson Teacher Dies After Tire Hits SUV On Route 2

WORCESTER, MA — The Templeton woman who died after a tire hit her windshield along Route 2 on Wednesday has been identified as a longtime Hudson teacher, according to state police.

Erin Beth MacKay, 42, was driving westbound along Route 2 in Fitchburg at about 1 p.m. when a tire flew off a vehicle and smashed into the windshield of her Jeep.

MacKay taught first grade at Forest Avenue Elementary School in Hudson, and had worked in the district for more than 12 years, according to WCVB. A memorial had been set up for her outside the school on Thursday.

Police initially thought the tire came from a pickup truck with Maine plates — but after tracking down the driver, they discovered it had not come from that vehicle.

"The investigation seeks to determine what vehicle the tire and rim came from, and whether it came off the axle or was being transported and became unsecured," police said in a news release Wednesday night. "The investigation also seeks to identify the driver of that vehicle."

Anyone who witnessed the incident may call the Leominster Barracks at 978-537-2188.

MacKay died after being taken to UMass Medical Center in Worcester for treatment.