Community Remembers Nurse Struck by a Vehicle on Her Way to Work

The community of Brighton, Massachusetts is in mourning after Ann O’Flaherty was struck and killed by a vehicle during her daily commute. She’s remembered as a friendly, easy-going 60-something nurse that always went out of her way to help others.

A Joy to the Community

When Vicky Dawn saw the news report that a woman was killed in front of a Boston hospital, it took her a minute to realize it was her long-time neighbor. O’Flaherty was the first one to welcome her to the community when first moved in nearly 30 years ago. “She was a doll. Wonderful mother, wonderful wife,” Dawn said.

A native of Ireland, O’Flaherty lived in the quiet community with her husband after raising three children. When asked about the tragedy, one of her family members said, ““We’re just not in the place right now to talk.”

Dawn says her neighbor would always come over around the holidays with homemade cookies and wine.

“I can’t say enough about her,” said Nawn. “That’s why I broke down when I heard. I said, ‘Not my Ann!’”

Marie and Chris Devin, who live next door, said she was a wonderful neighbor that always looked after her family. “She was just a ray of sunshine,” said Marie Devin.

One of her fellow nurses Ellen MacInnis remembered her as a loving spirit.

“Ann was a nurses’ nurse,” said MacInnis in a statement from the Massachusetts Nurses Association. “After working on Cardinal Medeiros 6, a medical/surgical unit, Ann became an accomplished ICU nurse. Recently she took a position in the Endoscopy unit.”

“Ann oriented me when I went to the ICU some years ago,” MacInnis added. “Her practice was superb, and she always took the most wonderful care of her patients. We’re sad beyond words.”

A Tragic Accident

Authorities say O’Flaherty was walking in front of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center just after 6:00 am when she was hit by a passing car, the same place she’s worked since 1988. The authorities pronounced her dead at the scene. They added that the collision likely threw the victim several feet into the air.

The investigation remains ongoing, but police say the Sedan waited for the authorities to arrive early Wednesday morning. “It’s an open investigation and no charges have been filed,’’ said Sergeant Detective John Boyle.

Residents say the area is known for its traffic. “The street is pretty busy,” said Jim Long. “A lot of times cars come through here quick. They don’t slow down, particularly when they come down the hill in Brighton Center.”

A spokesperson for the hospital said a memorial service will be held at a later date.

“We are heartbroken by the news of this tragic accident and are providing support to the victim’s family and our colleagues during this very difficult time,” the spokesperson said in a statement.