BOSTON – The family of a man who was struck this weekend outside the Forest Hills T station in Jamaica Plain plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit, saying they hope his death will prompt changes in the safety in the area.
Glenn Inghram dead
Glenn Inghram, 63, was a local gardener, well known in the Jamaica Plain community.
He was standing in the crosswalk outside the Forest Hills T stop just before noon Saturday when he was hit by a bus turning left. He later died of serious head injuries.
No charges have been filed in Inghram’s death.
Family photo
Calls for change at the Forest Hills MBTA station
Inghram’s family said it is the driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians at that crosswalk.
His brother and niece, who came to Boston from Denver, spoke of a man they described as a free spirit. They said he was just crossing the street to get a sandwich.
They hope his death will be a driving force for safety changes in the neighborhood.
“He’s been a great friend, a great brother. I miss him very much,” Ken Inghram, the victim’s brother, said at a news conference Thursday. “I just don’t want this death to be in vain. Sometimes I feel like it takes a death to bring about change in this society.”
More than 600 people from the area have signed a petition asking for change. They want a dedicated pedestrian light at the crosswalk, curb extensions, temporary flex poles and landscaping changes in the area to improve visibility for bus drivers.
An MBTA spokesperson released a statement Thursday.
“The MBTA is cooperating with the district attorney’s active investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident,” the MBTA said. “Following safety-related incidents, it is standard procedure for bus and train operators to be removed from service while the investigation process continues. We extend our condolences to the Inghram family at this time.”
