Second Death Confirmed In Hospital Car Crash

BROCKTON, Mass. -- Brockton Hospital has confirmed that a second person has died as a result of injuries suffered when a car crashed into the hospital's radiation center Monday afternoon.

Officials there said a hospital secretary identified as Susan Plante, 60, of East Bridgewater, has died of her injuries. Plante had worked at the hospital for 20 years, they said.

"Susan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She offered friendship and love to everyone who came into her life, including the many patients she worked with everyday," Plante's family said in a statement.

Relatives and colleagues were still reeling Tuesday from the death of a veteran doctor at the hospital who was killed Monday when one of his patients smashed her car through a glass door at the hospital's radiation center.

The head of the radiation center, Dr. Mark Vasa, 58, of Norwell, Mass., a radiation oncologist, was killed when Jane Berghold, 76, of Rockland, Mass., drove her Oldsmobile into the hospital.

Berghold's husband Robert was in shock. He said his wife has a good driving record and has never had a major accident, just a few fender benders.

"I couldn't believe it. We just had that car ... with new brakes," Berghold said.

Vasa was treating Berghold for breast cancer. Tuesday morning, Berghold answered the door of her home and told WCVB that she does not know exactly what happened at the hospital. She was dropping off X-rays when the accident happened.

Vasa's relatives were trying to come to grips with the tragedy.

"It's still a shock. Even though I haven't seen him in many years, it's really a shock. And I have to be strong for my boys. It's their father," Vasa's ex-wife Julie Karlin said.

Plante was one of three other hospital staffers working behind the reception desk who were injured. Plante suffered critical interal injuries and was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Authorities were investigating to determine whether there was a mechanical problem with the car or a medical conditon. It's not clear whether Jane Berghold will face any charges in connection with the crash. The Registry of Motor Vehicles said her license has been revoked indefinitely for medical reasons.

The hospital issued a statement Tuesday saying, " Our prayers go out to the families of Dr. Mark Vasa and Susan Plante. They were both long term, dedicated associates who forever be missed."