James M. Spinney, Chief of Police
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
For Immediate Release
Saturday, Sept 5, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Chelmsford Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash
CHELMSFORD — Police Chief James M. Spinney regrets to report that a pedestrian, in a wheelchair, was killed after being struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the street Saturday afternoon.
At 3:15 p.m., Chelmsford Police responded to the intersection of Old Westford Road and the Drum Hill Traffic Square for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a subject in a wheelchair.
Upon arrival Officers and emergency medical personnel evaluated the male victim, and a medical helicopter was requested due to the severity of the victim’s injuries. However, the victim was too unstable, and the helicopter was cancelled. The victim was transported by ambulance to Lowell General Hospital where he died at approximately 5 p.m.
The victim was a 72-year-old man from Boston who was visiting family in Chelmsford.
“This is a tragic situation involving the loss of life in our community,” Chief Spinney said. “On behalf of the entire Town of Chelmsford, my most sincere condolences go out to the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The investigation is in its preliminary stages, but at this point it appears that the victim was using the crosswalk when he was struck, however it is not known if the victim had the “safe to cross” light.
The Massachusetts State Police Reconstruction Team, along with the Chelmsford Police Department Accident Unit are investigating the scene.
The vehicle that struck the victim was a Ford pickup truck. The driver, a 45-year-old man from Hudson, N.H. is cooperating. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected. No charges have been filed at this time.
The name of the victim is not being released at this time. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office was notified and is overseeing the death investigation.
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