Santos Ortiz, a 38-year-old homeless man, died in the early hours of October 7, 2023, after a garbage truck backed over him while he slept on Spring Street in Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. His companion, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained injuries and was hospitalized. The incident has prompted a wave of mourning from the community, highlighting ongoing concerns about homelessness in the area.
A celebration of life for Ortiz was held on October 14 at Red’s Club, part of the Portuguese American Civic League on Central Street. Following the service, attendees participated in a candlelight vigil, walking from the club to the site of the accident, where they placed tributes to honor Ortiz’s memory.
According to a memorial posted on the McDonough Funeral Home’s website, Ortiz was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and raised in Lowell, where he graduated from high school in Groton. The obituary described him as “Mr. Mean” to family and friends, emphasizing his big heart, humor, and vibrant personality. Ortiz had worked as a cook for many years, first at Papa Gino’s on Wood Street and later at the Glenview Restaurant, becoming a well-known figure in the community.
“We sleep on the benches at the park, and they keep moving us, so we have to sleep on the street,”
said Christine Travis, a member of the homeless community. She spoke to The Sun as she stood near the police tape at the accident scene, underscoring the challenges faced by those without stable housing in Lowell.
In response to increasing concerns about homelessness, the Lowell City Council passed an ordinance in November 2022 that prohibits camping in public areas. This decision followed escalating enforcement actions taken by City Manager Tom Golden‘s administration, which included numerous encampment sweeps that displaced many homeless individuals towards the Back Central neighborhood. The ordinance has faced criticism and raised questions about the adequacy of support for the unhoused population.
The night of Ortiz’s death, a drive through the city revealed individuals huddled under blankets in doorways and on curbs in business-owned parking lots. Notably, South Common, a public park, appeared to be empty of both homeless individuals and other community members.
The tragic incident involving Ortiz has ignited discussions about homelessness and the city’s approach to managing the issue. As the community comes together to remember him, the need for a more compassionate response to homelessness has become increasingly urgent. The loss of Ortiz serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of policies that affect the most vulnerable members of society.
