BU prof’s family: His death was ‘preventable’
The family of the Boston University professor who plummeted to his death in a staircase accident near an MBTA station last week said it was “preventable” as authorities continue to investigate the tragedy.
David Jones, 40, of Milton, was out for a run on Saturday when he fell through a gap in a set of rustedout stairs that have been closed for nearly two years near the JFK/ UMass MBTA station in Dorchester.
“Our lives were changed forever last weekend with the sudden, tragic, and preventable passing of our beloved father, husband, son, brother David Kline Jones,” his family wrote to the BU School of Public Health community.
“Our hope is that this unimaginable tragic loss will foster a renewed commitment to create safe and healthy environments for all people,” the family added.
Jones, a father of three children, was an associate professor in Boston University’s Department of Health Law, Policy and Management.
On Saturday, Massachusetts State Police detectives responded to the scene near the JFK/UMass station. The state-controlled stairs have been closed since the start of 2020, and State Police have not specified how Jones was able to access the stairs.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the death.
Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday was asked about the incident. The governor said the staircase was “barricaded on both ends” about 20 months ago.
“Our folks are obviously working with the DA’s Office and others to investigate what happened here and why,” Baker said on GBH News. “And once that investigation is completed, we’ll make a decision about doing something about it.”
The structure was fenced in and a cement barricade was installed at the start of 2020. Also, the MBTA put up a sign that said the stairs would be closed.
Following last week’s fatal incident, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation responded by further cutting off access to the dilapidated stairs.
The Herald this week found nearby stairs that are rusting out. Rust pieces are being swept into piles under the stairs.
All MBTA stairs are “routinely inspected” by the MBTA and reviewed by a third party, according to the agency.
“Patch repair work has been performed from time to time, and the steel treads have been deemed stable in recent inspections,” the MBTA said.
A memorial for Jones has been planned for Sept. 23. The memorial will take place in Hiebert Lounge and on Zoom.
“We will share a multimedia tribute to David Jones and have an opportunity for all to be together to mourn and to celebrate his life,” the School of Public Health said in a statement.
A GoFundMe page for his family — “BUSPH GoFundMe for the Sacuto-Jones Family” — has already raised more than $125,000.