‘So much joy despite our grief’: Colin McGrath’s family welcomes newborn 5 years after fatal crash

BOSTON — Five years after a chain reaction crash took the life of two-year-old Colin McGrath as the toddler was walking down a Southie street, his family still feels the acute pain of his passing. But there’s also newfound love for the baby brother he never got to meet.

In a statement through Colin’s Joy Project on July 25, the 5-year anniversary of Colin’s death, the McGrath family provided an update on some of the work that’s been done in Colin’s name since his passing and introduced a newcomer to the family, Miles.

“Our Team Colin marathon team had a banner year of fundraising and the reach of Colin’s Joy Project grows with each mile they run. Speaking of miles, this year also brought the arrival of our son Miles, who has helped to fill our grieving hearts with love. Miles has taught us the beautiful life lesson that one’s heart can be simultaneously full of grief and of love,” the family said.

McGrath was being pushed in a stroller by his nanny on July 25, 2018, when he was hit and killed at the intersection of L and East Sixth Streets.

Driver Charlene Casey, a lifelong South Boston resident, was indicted the following year for motor vehicle homicide. According to investigators, Casey failed to yield and struck a van that was traveling northbound on L Street. That van then careened onto the sidewalk, hitting Colin, his older sister and their nanny.

Since then, the McGrath family has worked through the Colin’s Joy Project to enhance living spaces and sponsor family programming in the Boston community.

“As the poet Kahlil Gibran more eloquently stated - ‘the deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain,’” the family shared on Facebook. “Thanks to the love, support, and encouragement of so many who choose to walk this journey with us, our hearts now contain so much joy despite our grief. Thank you for helping us keep Colin alive in our hearts and for helping us find joy despite our grief. And thank you to all who support our family, in big and small ways, every day.”

In October 2022, Casey was sentenced to 60 days in jail for her role in the fatal crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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