Family of boy, 3, killed in tragedy asks for privacy

The family of the 3-year-old boy who was killed this week when a van crashed onto a South Boston sidewalk thanked the public yesterday for its support but requested privacy.

In a statement released last night through the Boston Police Department, Colin Thomas McGrath’s family said: “The members of the McGrath family would like to express our deepest appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy, compassion and support we have received these past few difficult days. The many heartfelt words of encouragement and love, and the incredible gestures of kindness and generosity, from friends, colleagues and our community have served as a much-needed source of strength during this devastating time.

“While we may have more to say at a later date,” the family added, “at this time, we ask that the media and others interested in speaking with us, please respect our family’s need for privacy and give us the space and time we need to begin what we know will be a long healing process.”

The statement came as Boston transportation officials announced they are weighing a series of safety measures in the wake of the crash that killed Colin and injured his 4-yearold sister.

“Wednesday’s crash in South Boston was a horrible tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to this family,” Transportation Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca said in a statement.