Chronicle Editor Seriously Injured, Airlifted After Car Strikes Him on Bicycle

The editor of the Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle is in serious condition after being taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in a medical helicopter after a bicycle accident on Monday.

The accident happened near the town common in East Boxford at about 5:30 p.m. when Dan MacAlpine was riding a bicycle and was struck by a Toyota sedan driven by a man from North Andover who told police that the sun blinded him. MacAlpine was riding east on Topsfield Road as the driver, who was headed west on Topsfield Road, was turning onto Main Street, according to a report in the Salem News.

The Chronicle has been the weekly newspaper that has coveres Hamilton and Wenham for more than 50 years.

MacAlpine, who also serves as editor of the Ipswich Chronicle, has previously been the editor of the Beverly Citizen and Melrose Free Press and has worked from the publications’ parent company, Community Newspaper Co. and GateHouse Media, for more than a decade. He has won various regional and journalism awards during his career. He lives in Ipswich.

Boxford Fire Chief Kerry Stickney told the Salem News that the injuries were not considered life threatening but that MacAlpine suffered serious injuries, including chest trauma, a collapsed lung and broken shoulder. The vehicle that struck him suffered significant windshield and roof damage in the area when MacAlpine struck the vehicle.

Police Chief Michael Murphy told the News that the crash is still under investigation and tickets could be issued.