Retired Gloucester firefighter dies after being struck by police cruiser near UMass Lowell

Retired Gloucester Fire Lt. Daniel Kennedy has died after he was hit by a Lowell police cruiser last Thursday. 

Kennedy, 60, was struck just before 6:30 p.m. on Wilder Street near the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus, where he had recently re-enrolled as a student. 

The police cruiser was heading north at the time when it struck Kennedy, who was walking in the same direction, according to an initial investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney. 

Kennedy was taken to Lahey Hospital where he died from his injuries on Wednesday night.  

The police officer was taken to Lowell General Hospital with minor injuries. Their identity has not been released. No charges have been filed.

After 28 years, Kennedy retired from the Gloucester Fire Department in 2023 and was starting a new chapter at UMass Lowell, studying to become a therapist. 

The Glocuester Firefighters Local 762 union said Kennedy wanted to use his degree to help veterans work on their mental health. Kennedy was also a United States Marine Corps Desert Storm veteran, according to the group.

"Dan had a huge heart and truly committed to a life of service. We are shocked, and devastated," the union said on Facebook.

Steve Aiello worked with Kennedy for his entire career. "Dan just loved being a firefighter he loved being a Marine, he loved his country," Aiello said. "Just that type of person. He loved being of service." 

Kennedy and Aiello were supposed to go to Philadelphia at the end of the month to see the Bruins take on the Flyers. He called him the nicest, kindest, most genuine individual. 

"Dan was the guy you'd want with you in a burning building at two o'clock in the morning that was fully occupied," Aiello said. "Dan would find a way to get everybody, including you and himself out."  

Kennedy leaves behind two daughters and a legacy of service.

"I think the lesson to be learned from this is, to tell your loved ones you love them because tomorrow is not guaranteed," Aiello said. "I never for the life of me would have thought something like this would happen to Dan. It's truly heartbreaking for our community and his family." 

UMass Lowell made counseling available to students following the crash. "The thoughts of the UMass Lowell community are with those involved in this tragic incident," UMass Lowell said in a statement.  

Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office are investigating.