Police Union issues statement after young boy dies in Bristol County while riding bicycle

A local child is dead, and a community is in mourning.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a 5-year-old boy was killed on Cherokee Street in New Bedford after being struck while riding a bicycle.

The New Bedford Police Union released the following in response to the tragedy.

“This afternoon, the unthinkable happened. A young child lost their life. To say this is a tragedy is indeed an understatement. Parents received news that no parents ever want to receive, news that we don’t even wish to think could ever happen. Family members left devastated by the loss of such a young life. 

“As to the extent of what happened, all that is known at this time is that a motor vehicle accident occurred, and as a result, tragically, a young life was lost. Please try to curb your anger, refrain from any rude or disrespectful commentary, and take a moment to realize the impact this now has on an entire family. Now is not the moment to berate and point blame, but a moment to come together and support each other after a horrible loss. 

“The family of this young child, the operator of the vehicle, their lives will never be the same again. We offer our deepest condolences to the family, and extend to them an offer of providing whatever support we can. Take a break from the norm tonight, hug your children close, take a moment to truly appreciate them and their presence in your lives. The text messages, the phone calls, they can all wait. Tell your children you love them, and never let them forget it. 

“May God watch over the family of this young child and may he comfort them in this the most tragic of times. Stay safe and God Bless.”