A Green Line trolley struck and killed a man at North Station early on Tuesday, soon after the Boston Celtics suffered their final loss at TD Garden. His relatives recognized him as Adam White, 30, of Sherborn. They told WBZ-TV that he was out with his girlfriend when he passed away and that he was a devoted brother and son, a good man, and an enthusiastic golfer.
Superintendent of Transit Police Richard Sullivan claims that the victim just barely missed boarding the departing trolley at 12:18 a.m.
Sullivan claimed he kicked the side of the trolley, lost his balance, and slid under it as it began to depart the station with the doors shut. His wounds caused his death.
“On behalf of the entire MBTA organization we express our most sincere condolences to family, friends and loved ones of the decedent,” Sullivan said.
WBZ questioned whether the man was close enough to the train to be on the yellow tactile strip before it left, whether there was a signal, and whether mirrors on the train would have allowed the operator to see the man in time to react. Spokespeople for the MBTA and Transit Police did not respond.
“I think the public has a right to know,” said rail safety expert Carl Berkowitz. “In the New York City transit, when they have special events, they have what they call platform conductors, individuals who are assigned to the platform to help people,” he said.
“I feel like it’s always helpful to have somebody who works for the station around,” said MBTA passenger John Zaremba. “Either to watch and make sure everyone is OK, but also to ask for help and stuff.”
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