A 49-year-old mother of four from Topsfield fell to her death Wednesday afternoon while hiking at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton, Massachusetts State Police said.
Sutton Police Chief Thomas Calouro did not identify the victim during a briefing with reporters at the scene.
She was hiking with three of her children when she fell, the chief said, according to video broadcast on NBC 10 Boston.
The children found a park ranger, who called 911. The ranger responded along with other emergency services.
Troopers arrived at the state park around 2 p.m., according to the statement from State Police.
They pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
“We offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of the decedent,’’ the statement said.
Purgatory Chasm was closed for several hours, but later reopened, Calouro said, according to NBC 10 Boston.
Crews were working Wednesday evening to recover the woman’s body, Calouro said.
The park’s tall granite walls are a challenge, but local EMS teams are trained to respond to emergencies at Purgatory Chasm, the chief said.
The death appears to be accidental, Calouro said.
But, as is standard procedure for all unattended deaths in Massachusetts, the death is under investigation.
“From the town of Sutton, we extend our sympathies to the family for this tragic, tragic loss,’’ Calouro said.
State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester district attorney’s office are leading the investigation, according to a a spokesperson for the office.
Purgatory Chasm, with a 1/4 mile trail and 70-foot deep chasm, is a popular area for hiking, rock climbing. and other outdoor activities in Worcester County.
It is run by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Rita Chandler can be reached at rita.chandler@globe.com.