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Boston First Night Celebration Features Moment Of Silence For Man Killed During Preparations

BOSTON (CBS) – While hundreds of thousands of people rang in 2020 during Boston's First Night celebrations, the city also paused to remember a Sherborn man who died during the setup for the event.

A moment of silence was held for Brandon McSweeney. The 34-year-old was killed Saturday when a 3,500-pound ballast fell on his chest while crews prepared First Night events at Copley Square in Boston.

"Just to pay tribute the best way we can to someone who helped put this event together," said Event Director Brook Maher.

An online fundraising page has brought in more than $20,000 of donations in McSweeney's honor. The money will be used to establish the Brandon J. McSweeney Memorial Scholarship fund.

Brandon McSweeney
Brandon McSweeney. (Family Photo)

About 250,000 people were expected to attend Boston's First Night festivities.

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