Massachusetts House and Senate enact Act dedicating grove at Heritage State Park in Fall River in honor of David Almond

Beacon Hill has bestowed an honor to a Fall River boy who died in 2020.

The House and Senate today enacted H 4832 dedicating a grove at Heritage State Park in the city of Fall River as the David Almond Grove, in honor of the late David Almond.

State Representative Carole Fiola and State Senator Michael Rodrigues petitioned that the Department of Conversation and Recreation be authorized to dedicate the grove as the David Almond Memorial Grove.

The Department of Conversation and Recreation will erect and maintain markers bearing David Almond’s name.

A Ceremonial Tree Planting and bench dedication in memory of Almond took place back in May at Heritage State Park, a few blocks from Almond’s last place of residence.

Almond, a Fall River autistic teen, tragically passed away in October of 2020 at the age of 14 from starvation and neglect. His death sparked outrage throughout the community and led to the Office of the Child Advocate conducting a multi-agency review. A report detailing the progress made was released in late March of this year. Almond’s father and girlfriend have yet to face trial concerning his death.

The Grove, tree planting, and bench dedication are to serve as a remembrance of David and a reminder that officials must take the proper measures to make sure the tragedy is not repeated.