– Fatal crash identified
– Local reverend identified.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Newburyport Mourns the Loss of Reverend Helen Murgida in Tragic Accident

The Newburyport community is in mourning following the tragic pedestrian accident on Green Street that claimed the life of the beloved Reverend Helen Murgida. The 81-year-old community service minister, who was affiliated with the First Religious Society’s Unitarian Universalist Church on Pleasant Street, was on her way to attend Mayor Sean Reardon’s State of the City address at City Hall when the fatal incident occurred.

Mayor Reardon expressed his condolences, stating, “This is a tragic day for the Newburyport community. Our hearts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the First Religious Society.”

The accident took place at the intersection of Green and Pleasant streets around 6:40 p.m. when Murgida was struck by a Ford-150 pickup truck. She was trapped underneath the vehicle for several minutes before being extricated by first responders and rushed to Anna Jaques Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Reverend Murgida, an ordained interfaith minister from the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine, was a highly respected member of the community. Born and raised in Somerville, she had a strong educational background, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University and Salem State University, as well as a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

She was the wife of the late Frank Murgida, a dedicated choir member at the Newburyport church, and a loving mother to two sons, Matthew Murgida of Somerville and Lucas Murgida of Santa Barbara, California. Reverend Murgida’s contributions to the community extended beyond her role as a minister; she was a co-founder of the Pentucket Workshop Preschool in Georgetown and held various teaching and administrative positions throughout her career.

Remembering Reverend Murgida’s Legacy

Reverend Rebecca Bryan, a church leader, fondly remembered Murgida as “the biggest, most kindhearted human being.” Despite her sudden passing, Murgida’s spirit of generosity and willingness to help others in need will be remembered by all who knew her.

Mayor Reardon highlighted Reverend Murgida’s advocacy for individuals with disabilities and her efforts to make the city more inclusive. Her passion for supporting those facing challenges through her faith was evident in her sermons and community programs, which aimed to raise awareness and promote understanding.

A memorial service for Reverend Murgida is yet to be scheduled, but a vigil in her honour was held at the church on Thursday night. The Newburyport Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section are continuing their investigation into the accident.

As the community comes to terms with the tragic loss of Reverend Helen Murgida, her legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire those who knew her.

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– fatal crash identified as local reverend
– victim in fatal crash identified as local reverend.