Melrose man struck and killed on tarmac at Logan Airport

BOSTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A 59-year-old Melrose man was struck and killed on the tarmac at a cargo terminal at Logan International Airport Monday night.

An employee on the tarmac was hit by a truck as it was driving in reverse near a plane, according to a statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Herbert Upton was an employee of aviation company Signature Flight Support. Upton's family said that he was a pilot, and only had the job on the tarmac for the last six months. He was well known in the Melrose community and used to work as an EMT. In the past, he coached his daughter's softball team and pop warner football.

"We miss him very, very much," Upton's wife of 27 years, Kim, said.

The 47-year-old driver showed no obvious signs of impairment, the DA's office said, but will be tested for drug and alcohol use, and was taken to Mass. General Hospital for stress.

"On behalf of the Logan Airport community, I want to extend my condolences to the family of Herbert Upton," said Logan's Director of Aviation, Ed Freni, in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers."

Massachusetts State Police detectives are investigating the death, which the DA's office said was likely an accident.

The DA's office did not release any other details.

Donations for the family can be sent to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber, 44 Binney St., Boston, Mass.

Cox Media Group