News

Church volunteer killed after car crashes into restaurant

Family and friends are in mourning after a wife and church volunteer was killed Tuesday when a car crashed into a Newton restaurant. 
"That's the only thing getting me through this - that she's with my dad and my brother John, and I know she's up in heaven looking down," said the victim's sister, Mary Cicciu. 

NEWTON, Mass. — Fifty-seven-year-old Eleanor Miele, of Watertown, was killed a car crashed into the Sweet Tomatoes in Newton. Her husband told FOX25's Robert Goulston that Eleanor was picking up pizza and then heading to her local church to help with a fundraiser project.

"I still keep reading the email and I don't believe what my brother must be going through," said June Miele, sister-in-law to the victim.

Police showed up at Miele's house Tuesday night and told her husband they believed she was involved in the accident because her truck was parked outside. Police also told her husband that her BJ's card was found among the debris in the restaurant.

The couple talked on the phone Tuesday afternoon and the wife told him, "Remember I'm going to work with Angela over at the church tonight." He told FOX25 that was the last thing she said to him. He didn't want to speak on camera.

"Very caring, very loving. When there was a tragedy she was the first one there and now she's gone and I don't know what we are going to do," said Cicciu.

Miele is one of two restaurant patrons killed in Tuesday’s crash. The other person killed was Gregory Morin, 32 of Newton. Middlesex District Attorney confirm both were customers of the restaurant.

“Today is a very sad day in the City of Newton. The accident that occurred in West Newton last night was a terrible tragedy, and my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. I am extremely grateful for the first responders who did an extraordinary job under very difficult circumstances last night,” Newtown Mayor Setti Warren said in a statement to FOX25.

A vigil is planned for Thursday night outside the Newton police department. Town officials said anyone is welcome to attend.