Retired Gloucester Firefighter Dies After Being Struck by Lowell Police Cruiser

Daniel Kennedy, 60, was hit while walking on the UMass Lowell campus and died nearly a week later at the hospital.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 60-year-old retired Gloucester Fire lieutenant named Daniel Kennedy died nearly a week after he was allegedly struck by a Lowell police cruiser while walking on the UMass Lowell campus. Kennedy, a Desert Storm Marine veteran, had recently enrolled as a student at the university following his retirement from the fire department, with the intent to work with veterans and their mental health.

Why it matters

The incident has raised questions about pedestrian safety on college campuses and the need for thorough investigations when there are collisions involving law enforcement vehicles. Kennedy's death has also prompted an outpouring of grief from the Gloucester firefighting community, where he was remembered as a beloved and brave colleague.

The details

According to authorities, Kennedy was struck by a marked Lowell Police cruiser on Wilder Street outside the McGauvran Center on the UMass Lowell South Campus around 6:23 p.m. last Thursday. He was transported to Lahey Hospital, where he died on Wednesday. The police officer operating the cruiser was also taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

  • On February 5, 2026, Kennedy was struck by the Lowell police cruiser around 6:23 p.m.
  • On February 12, 2026, Kennedy died at Lahey Hospital nearly a week after the incident.

The players

Daniel Kennedy

A 60-year-old retired Gloucester Fire lieutenant who was struck by a Lowell police cruiser while walking on the UMass Lowell campus and later died from his injuries.

Marian Ryan

The Middlesex District Attorney who is overseeing the investigation into the incident.

Gloucester Firefighters Local 762

The firefighters' union that announced Kennedy's death and described him as a "firefighter's firefighter" who was "loved by the community."

Steve Aiello

The former Gloucester Fire Deputy Chief who described Kennedy as "a larger than life character" and "one of the bravest men" he ever worked with.

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What they’re saying

“His passing is beyond tragic, and our family is heartbroken. We look forward to a thorough investigation by the Massachusetts State Police to determine who and what entities caused the events of February 5. We also urge City of Lowell officials and UMass representatives to fully investigate what occurred.”

— Kennedy's family (WHDH)

“Dan had a huge heart and truly committed to a life of service. We are shocked, and devastated.”

— Gloucester Firefighters Local 762 (Facebook)

“Dan was just a larger than life character. He was a firefighter's firefighter. One of the bravest men I've ever worked with. Loved his county, loved the community, loved his daughters, loved his family.”

— Steve Aiello, Former Gloucester Fire Deputy Chief (Channel 7)

What’s next

The Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives, and other investigative units are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding Kennedy's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures and thorough investigations when there are collisions involving law enforcement vehicles, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic like college campuses. Kennedy's death has also underscored the deep impact he had on the Gloucester firefighting community, where he was remembered as a beloved and courageous public servant.