Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced this week that Arthur Bourgoin, 78, of Watertown has died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle in Watertown on Tuesday, March 3.
Bourgoin, who was visually impaired, was a volunteer at the Perkins School For The Blind, according to the announcement from the DA’s office.
“This victim was attempting to cross the street when he was hit by a vehicle traveling on Arsenal Street,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Nationwide, in recent years, we have made progress in terms of pedestrian safety, but the number of deaths is still significant. The latest figures from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that pedestrian deaths occur primarily in urban areas and account for 14 percent of crash deaths. Drivers have to slow down as they approach crosswalks, and as they navigate areas where there most likely will be people walking and attempting to cross the street.”
The incident occurred on Arsenal Street at approximately 6:39 a.m., March 3, near the intersection of Beechwood Avenue. Authorities say Bourgoin was attempting to cross the street near an MBTA bus stop. The driver of the vehicle which allegedly struck Bourgoin was at the scene when police officers arrived and that driver has been questioned.
This incident is still an active investigation. The investigation is being conducted by the Watertown Police Department and Massachusetts State Police. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Christine Maltby. The Victim Witness Advocate assigned this case is Tara Pugliese.