LANCASTER — A 27-year veteran of the Massachusetts Department of Correction was killed in a motorcycle crash in Lancaster on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, according to local authorities.
Townsend resident Aaron Gill, 50, was riding west on Route 117 near Crawford Truck Sales when he failed to navigate a curve, the Lancaster Public Safety Department said in a statement. Police and firefighters responded quickly, but Gill’s injuries were so severe that life-saving measures could not be performed.
According to his obituary, Gill was born Aug. 21, 1974, in Burlington, Vermont, Gill graduated from West Bridgewater High School in 1992. He joined the Department of Correction soon after and served at facilities including the Southeastern Correctional Center and MCI Cedar Junction in Walpole. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he traveled to New York City to volunteer in recovery efforts.
Photo credit: Russell & Pica Funeral Home
Gill’s obituary described him as “a loving father, brother, son, uncle, and cousin” who “lived a life of service and loyalty.” He also shared his talent for playing the bagpipes with the Irish American Police Officers Association Pipes & Drums for more than a decade and helped found the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union’s Pipe and Drum band.
“Aaron carried himself with pride, humility, and deep respect for the traditions he upheld,” his obituary reads. Outside of work, Gill was a passionate genealogist, New England history enthusiast, and avid motorcyclist. He co-founded and served as past president of the Hired Guns Motorcycle Club of Massachusetts.
He is survived by his daughter, mother, stepfather, three brothers, and many other relatives and friends. A memorial gathering is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Russell & Pica Funeral Home in West Bridgewater. A memorial service will be held there the following day at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders and military service members.
