Cyclist Killed by Tractor Trailer Identified

Police have identified a woman who died after being struck by a tractor trailer while riding her bicycle Friday morning in Boston.

Anita Kurmann, 38, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was struck at the busy intersection of Beacon Street and Massachusetts Avenue.

Kurmann, an accomplished doctor and surgeon, was in Boston as a fellow in medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. She is not originally from the country.

"Anita was a brilliant Endocrine surgeon," said Dr. Anthony Hollenberg of Beth Israel in a statement. "She came to BIDMC to broaden her knowledge of basic science, and she contributed to this Division and our community in immeasurable ways ... Above and beyond her many professional achievements, Anita was – most importantly – brilliant in life. She was dynamic and kind-hearted and the consummate friend, professional and achiever. We will miss her deeply."

A woman who stopped by the growing memorial Saturday night tearfully said she is a friend of Kurmann. She said she knows the victim from a lab at Boston University. She added that Kurmann was a very sweet, funny person and could handle herself on a bicycle.

Another woman didn't know Kurmann, but wanted to pay her respects.

"I feel bad for the driver of the flatbed, I feel bad for her kin," said Miriam Winston. "They can't get over it."

The case was initially considered a hit-and-run - witnesses told necn the tractor trailer never stopped. Boston Police have located the truck's driver, who they say is from out of state and didn't know he hit Kurmann.

No charges have been filed, but police say the case is active.

Anyone with information is asked to call (617) 343-4470.

Contact Us