Clearly marked Everett intersection is fatal for crossing guard

One Boston family is probably wondering how the accident could possibly happen. Another family may wonder why it had not happened earlier. Still other families are wondering how a tragic scene will affect their children.

According to news sources, a group of school children were about to follow their crossing guard into the road as she provided for safe passage across Ferry Street in Everett. The crossing guard, a 71-year-old grandmother, was wearing her bright safety vest and carrying her large stop sign when she stepped into the crosswalk.

In front of horrified elementary school students, she was struck by a Massachusetts Water ­Resources Authority pickup truck. The Middlesex County pedestrian accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury, and ultimately the death of the crossing guard.

The screeching of tires and screams reportedly brought area shopkeepers and local residents outside immediately as the children made a terrified dash to George Keverian Elementary School. The 71-year-old was lying on her side in the road, and the pickup driver stopped immediately. The woman was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she died of her injuries later that evening.

The 67-year-old male driver was taken to Whidden Memorial Hospital for observation. According to the police, alcohol or drugs were not suspected as a cause of the accident. It was noted however that the driver had three at-fault accidents, two speeding violations and one failure to stop citation on his record. His driving record at work was allegedly clean.

At first glance, it appears as though the crossing guard followed the necessary safety guidelines. She was also apparently aware of the dangers of that crosswalk and had commented to her family that she was almost struck on more than one occasion. The 71-year-old enjoyed helping the young school children and said it kept her young.

The driver in this case may have been negligent and if so, the 71-year-old’s family could seek compensation from the MWRA, the driver or the school system for the woman’s wrongful death.

Source: Boston Globe, “Crossing guard dies after being struck in Everett intersection,” Brian R. Ballou, May 23, 2012