Preliminary Investigation Points to Driver Not Being at Fault for Pedestrian's Death in West Roxbury

Teary-eyed friends of Francis McInerney stood across from the spot on the VFW Parkway where the last night, trying to make sense of the tragedy.

"He was always generous. He didn't care. He loved life. He did what he wanted. It just sucks," said Brendan Deady, of his friend. "He loved hanging around with his friends and was very social."

McInerney, 17, of West Roxbury, was one of six teenagers crossing the VFW Parkway at Gardner Street before 10 p.m. and was struck by a motor vehicle. He was pronounced dead around 1 a.m. at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said the the Suffolk County District Attorney's office through a press release.

At a telephone pole a small memorial for McInerney was growing as young men, many Catholic Memorial students, were placing items at the pole including a gallon of milk, blue Powerade, and sunflower plant.

"He was nice. If you needed something, he'd give it to you," said Danny Downs, a friend of McInerney.

Downs and Deady both said that McInerney was funny and enjoyed playing sports and working with computers.

Downs said that McInerney was crossing the street to get a slush at .

Suffolk Country District Attorney Dan Conley spoke about the accident and the ongoing investigation, “The driver whose car struck Francis did not exhibit any signs of intoxication or impairment. The preliminary analysis of the scene didn’t suggest that he was traveling at an excessive rate of speed or operating erratically, but the collision analysis experts will provide us far greater detail on both of those points. I can say that he stopped his car immediately, remained at the scene, and has cooperated fully with investigators so far.

“As an alum of Catholic Memorial School, and as a father of two children myself, I am terribly saddened by this news. My heart goes out to Francis’ parents, loved ones, friends, teachers, and classmates. As District Attorney, I promise them a full investigation into last night’s tragic events and a thorough account of all the facts once they are known.”

Conley added, “The loss of Francis McInerney’s life on VFW Parkway last night is a terrible tragedy for his family, his friends, and the Catholic Memorial School community. That tragedy is compounded by the fact that they must now mourn his loss at what should have been a time of celebration as Francis completed his junior year and prepared for a bright future as a senior and a promising young man."