Crime & Safety
'Medical Episode' Caused Multi-Car Crash, DA Morrissey Says
Morrissey had just left his Canton office and was traveling to his home in Quincy when his vehicle collided with two other vehicles.
A multi-vehicle accident in Milton caused by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey crossing the double yellow line was triggered by a "medical episode," the DA said Thursday afternoon.
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Morrissey said in a statement that he lost consciousness because of fatigue, dehydration and extreme temperatures just before the crash Tuesday evening on Centre Street.
"On my doctor’s advice, I plan to take some time off to recuperate," Morrissey said.
Morrissey had just left his Canton office and was traveling to his home in Quincy around 5:50 p.m. Tuesday when his vehicle collided with two other vehicles in the westbound lane. A fourth vehicle swerved to avoid the accident, driving off the roadway.
"I was transported to Milton Hospital and received treatment until yesterday at 5:30 p.m. when I was discharged," he said. "My medical records reveal that there was no alcohol in my system. Also, witnesses indicated that speed was not a factor."
The district attorney said he suffered visible injuries to his hand and torso.
Just before the accident, Morrissey said he was using his hands-free cell phone to make a series of calls. The last one was to order pizza, he said.
"Shortly after that last telephone call, I was perspiring and felt lightheaded and the next thing I recall is being outside of my car which was stopped across two lanes of traffic," Morrissey said.
Morrissey was issued a citation by the Milton Police and a hearing will be held to determine if he is criminally liable.
"It is my hope that this is a speedy process and my intention is to make my medical records available at that time to appropriate personnel," Morrissey said. "This is an unfortunate accident. I intend to be as transparent as possible in this process."
"On my doctor’s advice, I plan to take some time off to recuperate," Morrissey said.
Morrissey had just left his Canton office and was traveling to his home in Quincy around 5:50 p.m. Tuesday when his vehicle collided with two other vehicles in the westbound lane. A fourth vehicle swerved to avoid the accident, driving off the roadway.
"I was transported to Milton Hospital and received treatment until yesterday at 5:30 p.m. when I was discharged," he said. "My medical records reveal that there was no alcohol in my system. Also, witnesses indicated that speed was not a factor."
The district attorney said he suffered visible injuries to his hand and torso.
Just before the accident, Morrissey said he was using his hands-free cell phone to make a series of calls. The last one was to order pizza, he said.
"Shortly after that last telephone call, I was perspiring and felt lightheaded and the next thing I recall is being outside of my car which was stopped across two lanes of traffic," Morrissey said.
Morrissey was issued a citation by the Milton Police and a hearing will be held to determine if he is criminally liable.
"It is my hope that this is a speedy process and my intention is to make my medical records available at that time to appropriate personnel," Morrissey said. "This is an unfortunate accident. I intend to be as transparent as possible in this process."
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