Community Grieves as Homeless Man Dies in Lowell Accident

On October 7, 2023, a tragic accident claimed the life of Santos Ortiz, a 38-year-old homeless man, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Ortiz was sleeping on Spring Street when a garbage truck inadvertently backed over him in the early morning hours. His companion, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized with injuries, and her current condition remains unknown.

In memory of Ortiz, family and friends held a celebration of life on October 14 at Red’s Club, part of the Portuguese American Civic League on Central Street. The event culminated in a candlelight vigil, where mourners walked from the club to the accident site, leaving tributes to honor Ortiz’s life.

According to a memorial posted on the website of McDonough Funeral Home, Ortiz was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, but grew up in Lowell, graduating from high school in Groton. Known affectionately as “Mr. Mean” among family and friends, Ortiz was remembered for his big heart, sense of humor, and vibrant personality. His career included many years as a cook at the Wood Street Papa Gino’s and later at the Glenview Restaurant, where he became a beloved figure in the community.

The circumstances surrounding Ortiz’s death highlight ongoing challenges faced by Lowell’s homeless population. Reports indicate that Ortiz and his companion had been sleeping on Spring Street after being repeatedly relocated from other areas in the city, including South Common. Local resident Christine Travis expressed the frustration of the homeless community, stating, “We sleep on the benches at the park, and they keep moving us, so we have to sleep on the street.”

The Lowell City Council enacted an ordinance in November 2022 that prohibits camping in public areas, a decision that has led to escalating enforcement actions. These measures, advocated by the City Council and implemented by City Manager Tom Golden, have resulted in numerous encampment sweeps since 2023. Many unhoused individuals have been displaced, often seeking shelter in increasingly precarious locations.

A drive through downtown Lowell on the night of October 14 revealed individuals huddled under blankets in doorways and on curbs in parking lots, while South Common remained devoid of both homeless individuals and other citizens. The city’s approach to homelessness has drawn criticism from advocates who argue that such policies fail to address the underlying issues of housing instability and poverty.

The loss of Ortiz has sparked discussions about the need for a more compassionate approach to homelessness in Lowell. Community leaders and residents are calling for a reconsideration of policies that exacerbate the plight of vulnerable populations. As the community mourns, many are left grappling with the implications of Ortiz’s tragic death and the ongoing challenges facing the unhoused.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the city faces scrutiny over its handling of homelessness and the living conditions of its most vulnerable residents. The memory of Santos Ortiz serves as a poignant reminder of the need for humane solutions to the ongoing crisis of homelessness in Lowell and beyond.