Family of boy killed on East Bay Bike Path considering legal action
BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — The family of the Somerset boy killed on the East Bay Bike Path may be considering taking legal action against the Town of Bristol. The 6-year-old was killed in July while riding his bike and community members and the state have taken measures to make that area safer in the months since.
The family hasn’t taken any action yet but their lawyer says they are continuing to look in to who could be culpable for Mason Sterne’s death.
It’s a busy day on the East Bay Bike Path in Bristol but there’s a constant reminder of the young life lost right by the crosswalk.
“It’s a tragedy; it’s a terrible tragedy,” says Stuart Matthews of Bristol.
Sterne died in July after he was hit by a car riding his bike.
His family’s lawyer, Patrick Barry says Mason’s death was avoidable. No formal complaint has been filed but they sent a letter to the Town of Bristol claiming its negligence caused the young boy’s death.
It says the town should’ve required some sort of sign or lights in the area and kept it clear of trees and brush.
Three months later a memorial and stop signs installed by good Samaritans still stand.
“I think were all a little more aware of the potential problems here,” says a Bristol resident who didn’t want to be identified.
The stop signs may not even be permanent, RIDOT still has 3 more months to finish its study on the intersection, although people say they seem to working. The state also cleared the brush in this area after the accident so drivers have a clear view of who’s on the path.
The Bristol Town Solicitor says the council denied the negligence claim and sent it to its insurance company, which is standard procedure.
It is Rhode Island law that a city or town receives notice of potential lawsuits.
© WLNE/ABC 6 2018
