Hyde Park Community Mourns Loss of 5-Year-Old Lens Arthur Joseph, Struck and Killed by School Bus
Boston, MA – A deep sense of sorrow has gripped the Hyde Park community following the tragic death of Lens Arthur Joseph, a 5-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a school bus Monday afternoon, April 28, 2025. The devastating incident occurred just after school, as the child was returning home near 107 Washington Street around 2:45 p.m., according to Boston Police Officer Mark Marron.
Lens, a kindergarten student at UP Academy Dorchester, was reportedly accompanied by his 11-year-old cousin when he was hit. The two had just exited the school bus when the fatal accident occurred. Authorities confirmed that the bus involved was part of the Boston Public Schools system. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Witnesses Recall Tragic Scene
Neighbor Nathaniel Thomas told WCVB he witnessed the aftermath and tried to help.
“I just pulled up in front of my driveway, and I saw the kid on the ground,” Thomas said. “Wasn’t in good condition, and his relative was screaming. The bus driver was panicking. I told the neighbor to call the police.”
Despite the immediate response from first responders, Lens Arthur Joseph was pronounced dead at the scene. His tragic death has left family, neighbors, and school officials in shock and mourning.
Community and School Officials Respond
The grief felt across Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood is shared by the entire Boston Public Schools (BPS) community. In an official statement, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper expressed deep sadness over the incident.
“We are grieving this heartbreaking loss,” Skipper said. “We extend our deepest condolences to our student’s family, school community, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
Skipper also confirmed that counseling and support services will be made available for students, families, and staff affected by the incident.
Jeri Robinson, Chair of the Boston School Committee, echoed the sentiment:
“Our hearts break for the child’s family and entire school community following this tragic incident.”
Investigation Underway
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox addressed the media at the scene, calling the incident a “tragic investigation” and reaffirming the department’s commitment to a full and thorough review of what happened.
“This is a tragic investigation of a child being struck,” Cox said during a live interview with WCVB. “We are doing all we can to make sure we investigate.”
Authorities confirmed that the bus driver remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with investigators. No charges have been announced as of Tuesday night.
Some of the children who were on the bus at the time of the crash were taken to nearby hospitals for evaluation, though no additional injuries have been reported.
Safety Concerns in the Area
While no external vehicles were involved in the crash, the incident has reignited concerns about traffic safety in the residential area of Hyde Park. One neighbor described the stretch of Washington Street as a high-speed danger zone.
“Cars are always flying up and down this road,” the resident said. “It’s a residential area with lots of children, and we’ve been worried something like this could happen.”
Local officials and community advocates are now calling for a reevaluation of traffic patterns, speed enforcement, and pedestrian safety near school bus drop-off zones.
Remembering Lens Arthur Joseph
Lens was described by those close to the family as a joyful, bright young boy full of curiosity and energy. Though only in kindergarten, he had already formed strong bonds within his school community. A family member told The Boston Globe that the loss has left a “gaping hole” in their hearts.
His school, UP Academy Dorchester, has yet to release a direct statement, but Hillary Casson, CEO of the UP Education Network, which operates the school, is expected to speak on the matter in the coming days.
As the investigation continues, the community gathers in mourning—lighting candles, sharing memories, and demanding stronger safety measures to ensure no family has to suffer a loss like this again.
How to Help
Community members looking to support the Joseph family are encouraged to follow local news for verified fundraising efforts or memorial initiatives. Grief counselors will be available through the Boston Public Schools system for anyone in need of support.
Lens Arthur Joseph was just 5 years old. He should have made it home that day. His memory now calls all of us—parents, educators, neighbors, and city leaders—to come together and protect the most vulnerable among us.