“This Photo Hurts”: Local Rescue Shares Final Moments of Beloved Turtle

Rest Easy, Sarge

Sadly, Sarge, the massive snapping turtle rescued in Rensselaer County earlier this week, has died. The heartbreaking update came from Berkshire County Turtle Rescue, where Sarge was rushed after being found badly injured near Averill Park.

According to the rescue, the 28.5-pound snapping turtle suffered devastating injuries after apparently being struck by a vehicle, including multiple shell fractures and severe trauma.

Rescuers believe Sarge may have been nearly 70 years old.

Named After Officers Who Tried to Save Him

In a touching gesture, members of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office personally transported the turtle to the rescue organization, which named him “Sarge” in honor of the officers who tried to save him.

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“Last night, my heart broke,” a staff member at the Berkshire County Turtle Rescue wrote in an emotional Facebook post alongside a photo showing a staff member holding Sarge’s enormous hand.

“He survived seven decades of changes in this world, only to be taken out by a car.”

The Photo That Broke Hearts

This photo is the one that broke a lot of hearts. That’s Sarge’s giant hand being held in his final hours after rescuers tried desperately to save him. Experts believe the snapping turtle may have been nearly 70 years old.

The rescue says turtle nesting season is now underway, meaning more turtles are crossing roads throughout the region to lay eggs. They’re urging drivers across the Capital Region and Berkshires to slow down and stay alert, especially in neighborhoods and school zones where turtles are commonly spotted.

“It is heartbreaking,” they wrote. “The loss we are seeing already this season is completely preventable.”

Rest easy, Sarge. Thousands of people across the region were rooting for you.