A 56-year-old Chelsea man’s death the previous week remains under investigation by the State Police Accident Reconstruction Team, with Chelsea Police also looking into the incident. The officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave. Eyewitness accounts differ regarding whether the police vehicle’s blue lights were activated and if the siren was sounding, though police sources indicate that technical data and video footage are helping to clarify these conflicting reports. The State Police will determine whether speeding charges apply and establish the vehicle’s speed at the time of impact. According to local Attorney Richard Clayman, State Police Reconstruction Teams possess considerable accuracy in making such determinations, relying on factors including the injuries sustained by the deceased, damage to the police vehicle, road skid marks if present, and eyewitness interviews. One point is clear: Burgess stepped into Broadway during darkness, and the police vehicle was unable to stop in time. Multiple witnesses reported hearing a loud bang audible from two blocks away after Burgess was struck. Witnesses also noted that the officer immediately exited his vehicle to attempt aid. Both City Manager Jay Ash and Police Chief Brian Kyes have addressed the matter of speeding by public safety vehicles—an issue the chief described as a significant concern. “Our department does everything it can to train our officers about the protocol to use on our city streets when responding to a call. At every level of the training, safety is the main issue. I am especially saddened by this accident,” Chief Kyes added. Candles and flowers have been left by Burgess’s friends and acquaintances near the accident site. The memorial collection has formed a small shrine on Broadway between Eleanor and Parker Streets. Burgess was a familiar figure in the Parker-Eleanor Street neighborhood, regularly seen standing at the corner of Eleanor Street and Broadway by the variety store. This writer was acquainted with the deceased and had spoken with him during early morning hours in Bellingham Square near the Store 24, where he was frequently present. As others have noted, he typically asked for cigarettes and small amounts of money. The Chelsea Police vehicle struck Burgess as it responded to an Everett Police assistance call around 11:15 p.m. last Thursday evening. The collision occurred on Broadway near Parker Street. Burgess apparently stepped into Broadway attempting to cross when he was hit. He lived alone, though he reportedly had a brother residing in Florida.
Pedestrian death under State Police investigation
