— Photo by Bobbie Toner

On the afternoon of November 3, the Somerville Police Department responded to the intersection of College and Kidder avenues for a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. The pedestrian, Leah A. Zallman, 40, of Somerville was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she died from her injuries on November 4.

“I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leah Zallman. There are no words that can fully convey the pain and grief felt after such a tragic loss,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “ I hope that her loved ones find solace and comfort in memories of her and the impact she had on so many people through her work as a researcher, physician, and advocate for social justice. In this time of tremendous loss in our community, I ask my fellow Somerville residents to hold Leah Zallman’s loved ones in your thoughts.”

An initial investigation suggests that the operator of the vehicle, an employee of the City of Somerville who was on duty at the time but operating their personal vehicle, had been attempting to take a left turn onto Kidder Avenue from College Avenue. They remained on the scene following the crash. Pending the results of an investigation, the employee has been placed on paid administrative leave. 

This is an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Somerville Police. No charges have been filed at this time.