Somerville officer's death 'was a preventable accident', chief says

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — The crash that killed a Somerville police officer while he was off-duty and riding a motorcycle was a preventable accident, the city’s police chief said Tuesday morning.

Shortly after announcing the death of Officer Louis Remigio, 55, Somerville Police Chief David Fallon called it a ‘preventable accident.’

IMAGES: Procession leads fallen Somerville officer to funeral home

An 18-year-old has been charged in connection to the crash and has been accused of racing another car at the time of the crash.

“We will never fill the void of Officer but we’re going to do what we do everyday, we’re going to answer the bell … and we’re going to do it with kindness empathy and courage,” Chief Fallon said. “We’re going to ensure that his memory never fades from the city of Somerville nor the police department.”

Police say Officer Remigio was off-duty at the time of the crash and was riding his motorcycle when a Mercedes Benz driven by 18-year-old Michael Ricci crossed from the northbound lanes into oncoming traffic on the southbound side.

“This was a preventable accident,” Chief Fallon said simply. “Louie was a first class human being and exactly the kind of police officer you want serving your community; he was tough yet kind, empathetic, and fair.”

Remigio has worked with the Somerville Police Department for 30 years. He most recently worked in the traffic unit. During his 30 years, Remigo had received several awards recognizing his efforts, including two Life Saving Awards, a Meritorious Service Award, a Beyond the Call of Duty Award, and numerous commendations both by his colleagues and by community members.

“He epitomized everything officers should be,” Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said Tuesday morning. “He was doing 21st century community-based policing long before it was a term … he will not be forgotten.”

Officer Remigio’s body was set to be returned to Somerville Tuesday afternoon for his funeral arrangements.

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