Surgeon Remembered After Being Struck and Killed on Bike

A roadside memorial for a surgeon who was struck and killed Friday in Boston while riding her bike continues to grow Sunday.

Calling her a "bright light" and an effective, creative endocrine surgeon, Anita Kurmann's colleague at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center says the Swiss native was in the country for three years doing research, specializing in stem cells.

Dr. Anthony Hollenberg says she was returning to Switzerland soon.

"We feel like she's one of us," said Ling Yin, a scientist working on her post-doctorate at Harvard Medical School. "They worked really hard to be here. Especially for people who come here overseas."

Kurmann was hit and killed Friday morning in the busy intersection of Beacon Street and Massachusetts Avenue.

Her colleague says she was very athletic - a runner and experienced bicyclist. But those who cycle in this area say it can be dangerous for any rider.

Police say the investigation into Kurmann's death is still active.

At this point, no charges have been filed against the driver of the flatbed tractor-trailer that hit and killed Kurmann. Initially considered a hit-and-run, police eventually located the driver, but were not sure whether he was aware of the crash.

Kurmann didn't have a chance to see the culmination of her three years of research published before her life was cut short. she didn't have family here in the U.S., and there has been no word at this point on a memorial service for her here.

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