What to Know
- Allison Donovan, 40, of Somerville was killed Friday following a deadly hit-and-run pedestrian crash.
- Donovan was a beloved administrator and teacher in the Watertown Public Schools.
- Somerville police are continuing their search for the driver of a black pickup truck believed to be responsible for the fatality.
Speed and aggressive driving played a role in a hit-and-run crash that killed a popular Massachusetts school administrator over the weekend, according to Somerville officials.
As investigators continue to work on tracking down the driver who was behind the wheel of the suspected vehicle involved in a the deadly crash that killed 40-year-old Somerville resident Allison Donovan Friday evening, Somerville officials are warning fellow residents to slow down on the city's roads.
"Aggressive driving was a factor in this incident," Somerville Police Chief David Fallon said during a press conference Monday morning.
Donovan, an educator and administrator in the Watertown Public Schools system, was hit by a vehicle around 7:15 p.m. near the intersection of Hardan Road and Powderhouse Boulevard. She was taken to Mount Auburn Hospital, where she later died.
"This was at least a case of reckless disregard for human life," Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said. "To say excessive speed is involved is being conservative."
A second pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and has since been released from the hospital.
Donovan, described as a wonderful and joyous teacher by parents, also spent two years working as a principal at Lincoln Elementary School in nearby Melrose where "she sought to lead the Lincoln community with kindness, good humor and concern for the well-being of all our students," the school system superintendent said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the search for the driver responsible for the deadly crash continues.
Somerville police said they are searching for a newer model black pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-150. The suspect vehicle should have front-end damage to the driver’s side.
Anyone who witnessed the hit-and-run or has information on the tragedy is urged to contact the Somerville Police Department 617-625-1600.
