Changes coming next week to UMass Dartmouth in wake of fatal pedestrian crash; charges also expected

In response to a fatal pedestrian crash that took place this month, changes are coming to an area college.

According to Vice Chancellor for Administration & Facilities, David Gingerella, the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is creating a protected pedestrian walkway by removing parking on Ring Road from the Cedar Dell entrance road to the Oak Glen/Pine Dale Access Road, effective at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Any vehicles parked on Ring Road in that area will be towed.

Next week, barriers will be added to create a protected walking path.

According to Jennifer Sowa of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, on April 6th at approximately 5:30 p.m., UMass Dartmouth Campus police were called regarding a motor vehicle that struck a pedestrian on campus.

Campus Police responded and located 19-year-old Frank A. Petillo Jr., a UMass Dartmouth freshman Bioengineering student, lying in the roadway on Ring Road with significant injuries.

Petillo was transported to St Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Frank was remembered as a beautiful soul, with an infectious smile, kind heart, and passionate commitment to all he loved.

According to CBS News Boston, no charges have been brought against the driver who is a UMass Dartmouth student, but police say they are expected any day.