BPD: Local woman dies after being struck by school bus in Mattapan

MATTAPAN, Mass. — Boston University Academy instructor Jennifer Formichelli died Tuesday after being hit by a school bus early Tuesday morning in Mattapan.

Boston Police told Boston 25 News officers responded to Walk Hill Street and Blue Hill Avenue at approximately 6:53 a.m. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital where she later died.

“A social worker and the chaplain came out and that’s when I was like, ‘Jesus, this cannot be good,’ and then the doctor came and I said, ‘just give it to me straight, is she alive?’ And he said no,” said Fillmore Parris, who was wearing the ring he gave to his fiancé last year. “I just sat there with her for an hour holding her hand and it just kept getting colder and colder.”

Instead of marrying the woman he’s known for six years, he’ll now have to bury her.

“The police called me when I was at the hospital and said they got the driver and the vehicle, but they cannot give me any more information,” Parris said. “Whoever it is they need to pay to the fullest extent of the law. I don’t care if you were driving a tank, you know if you hit somebody.”

Police said they found the bus after searching for it Tuesday morning. Police did not say where they found the bus but did tell Boston 25 News it was not a Boston Public Schools bus.

“It’s just sad,” said Adeeya Withers, who lives nearby. “The street is pretty busy. I saw a couple of accidents this month. I actually saw an accident a couple days ago.”

Crews were on scene for a couple of hours cleaning up the bloody mess.

Parris said he doesn’t think either of the dogs was hit because they both seemed OK; in fact, one of them walked the half-mile journey back home by himself to scratch on the door and give the devastating news.

Police could not confirm whether anyone on the school bus also sustained any injuries. Crews are still investigating the cause of the crash.

BU Academy released the following statement regarding Formichelli’s death:

“The Boston University Academy community was profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of English teacher Dr. Jennifer Formichelli in a tragic accident early this morning.

“Jennifer will be remembered as a thoughtful, highly intellectual scholar of English literature; a champion of social justice, deeply committed to equity and inclusion in and out of the classroom; a trusted advisor; a warm and loyal colleague and friend; and, most of all, an engaged and dedicated teacher who loved her students. Through her work at BU Academy, she shaped the lives of hundreds of young people. She was a cherished member of our school community and will be deeply missed.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jennifer’s fiance, Phil; her father, Carl; her brother, Greg; and to all her family, friends, and colleagues.”

Crews are still investigating the cause of the crash.

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