Fund Created for Family of IBEW Local 103 (Boston) Member Killed on the Way to Work

Fund established to benefit family of accident victim
By Mike Melanson, Enterprise correspondent

WEST BRIDGEWATER — An Easton bank has established a fund to benefit the family of Daniel Bellamy, killed in a Monday snowplow accident in front of his house.

In a related development, West Bridgewater police Tuesday released a plow-equipped vehicle to its owner after the SUV, which was involved in the accident, passed safety inspections.

Bellamy, 34, died early Monday morning after he was struck and killed by a snowplow as he crossed West Street in front of his house to meet a co-worker for a ride to work.

An electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103, Bellamy was headed to a job with Norfolk Electric of Quincy shortly after 5 a.m.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Bellamy, 30, and their three children, Cora, 4, Matthew, 2, and Lilah, 16 months.

Bellamy's family has established a fund at the North Easton Savings Bank in Easton, said Tom Deubler, the bank's president and chief executive officer.

Deubler said checks can be made payable to The Dan Bellamy Fund and mailed to North Easton Savings Bank, P.O. Box 299, North Easton, MA 02356.

He said people interested in helping may also drop off checks at any of the Easton bank's branches or call 508-238-2007 for more information.

Susan Bellamy said Wednesday she appreciated the help of others, especially their prayers.

"We're doing OK. I have a lot of people here," Bellamy said. "I miss him. I keep thinking he's coming home, it's like a slap in the face."

Police are calling Monday's fatal crash a weather-related incident.

Lt. Raymund Rogers said police released the snowplow to CWB Construction on Tuesday after investigators determined the motor vehicle's brakes, fluids, lights and plow were in proper working order.

"It totally passed our inspection, and we will not be filing any charges against the operator," Rogers said. "It was truly a tragic accident."

Rogers said it appears Bellamy was struck as he was crossing the street and snow and poor visibility contributed to the crash.

Based on evidence collected at the scene, Bellamy was apparently eating a peanut butter bagel as he was crossing and was hit by the middle of the plow, Rogers said.

Rogers said the snowfall may have muffled the sound of the approaching snowplow and its flashing lights may have disoriented Bellamy, causing him to misjudge its distance and speed.

"That's a possibility. We don't know. We'll never know," Rogers said.

Bellamy was dressed in a brown, heavy-duty electrician's suit, Rogers said.

Rogers said the private snowplow driver, Stephen Leonard of Easton, reported spotting an object right before hearing an impact and stopping the vehicle. He thought he had hit a deer.

"It has got to be a horrible thing to be involved in an accident like that, for everybody," Rogers said.

A memorial service will be held today at 4 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 175 Market St., Rockland, followed at 6 by a reception at IBEW Local 103 Union Hall, 256 Freeport St., Dorchester.