Funeral Held for National Grid Worker Killed in Waltham Crash
CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – Family members and friends gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects to Roderick Jackson, the National Grid worker who tragically lost his life in a crash in Waltham last week.
A Tragic Incident
Roderick Jackson, 36, and Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey were both killed when a pickup truck struck them at a worksite on Totten Pond Road. Officer Tracey was laid to rest on Friday in Waltham.
A Farewell at St. Paul AME Church
The funeral services for Roderick Jackson were held at St. Paul AME church in Cambridge, where family and friends gathered to remember and honor his life.
Remembering a Beloved Son and Brother
Roderick Jackson, known as “Kito” to his family, had been working for National Grid for three years before the tragic incident. His family described him as a loving and supportive presence in their lives.
His mother, Norma Asprilla, expressed her grief, saying, “I’m burying my baby. Horrific.” His brother, Manuel Asprilla-Hassan, added, “He didn’t just mean everything to us, he was everything to us and we lost it all.”
A Life Full of Joy
Roderick Jackson’s family shared that he had a passion for dancing, loved Christmas, and was a devoted football fan. His brother, Manuel Asprilla-Hassan, who played cornerback at BC and was later signed by the Chargers, mentioned that Jackson never missed a game and would proudly wear his jersey in the stands.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet, 5 inches tall, Jackson also stood tall in his family, helping his single mother raise his younger siblings. His sister, Esmeralda Asprilla, said, “He put a smile on everybody’s face. There’s not one person that could say anything bad about him.”
Seeking Answers and Justice
The alleged driver in the Totten Pond Road crash, Peter Simon, 54, of New Hampshire, has been arraigned on multiple charges, including manslaughter. Jackson’s family plans to file a lawsuit and their lawyer, Thomas Flaws, expressed their desire for answers regarding how this tragedy could have occurred.
Flaws stated, “The family wants answers about why he was able to be out in the community and how something like this ever could have been allowed to happen.”
A Legacy of Support
In addition to pursuing legal action, Jackson’s family intends to establish a scholarship to assist students in need. They hope to honor his memory by providing educational opportunities for others.
As the family mourns the loss of Roderick Jackson, Norma Asprilla also extended her condolences to the family of Paul Tracey, the fallen police officer.
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