SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WHDH) — Many people, including hundreds of police officers from around Massachusetts, attended Thursday’s wake for a Somerville police officer killed over the weekend while riding his motorcycle.
A hearse carried the body of 55-year-old Officer Louis Remigio from New Hampshire to a funeral home Tuesday following the crash that happened in North Hampton, N.H. Remigio, a 30-year veteran of the department, was off-duty as he rode his motorcycle on I-95. Police said he was then hit by an oncoming car.
“For the rest of our careers, we’re going to ensure his memory never fades from the Somerville Police Department, nor the city of Somerville,” said Somerville Police Chief David Fallon. “There was always a smile on his face. Really a gentle giant.”
Michael Ricci, 18, of Burlington, was arrested and charged in connection with the now deadly crash. He could face motor vehicle homicide charges. Ricci posted $10,000 cash bail Monday and was released from prison. He was then arrested again Tuesday night at his home in Burlington on an outstanding warrant on an unrelated matter.
Witnesses said Ricci was racing other drivers on the northbound side of the highway before he lost control and drove his Mercedes into oncoming southbound traffic. Police said he then collided with the motorcycle driven by the Remigio. Ricci and two other cars were allegedly weaving through traffic at high speeds.
Three people were taken to area hospitals after the crash. Officials took Remigio to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He passed away Monday night.
City officials said Remigio had always gone “above and beyond the normal call of duty.”
“Louie was a first class human being and exactly the kind of police officer you want serving your community; he was tough yet kind, empathetic, and fair. As a Chief, you always want to see that any interaction your officers have with community members are changing people’s lives for the better, and Officer Remigio embodied that one thousand percent,” said Fallon. “Louie was a very important part of this department, and I cannot begin to express what his loss will mean not only to each of us.”
Remigio leaves behind two adult daughters, who are still mourning the sudden loss of their mother last year. The women issued a statement Thursday on their father’s death. It was read by Somerville Police Lt. James Polito.
“Difficult and heartbreaking do little to describe the pain we, the Remigio family and friends, are continuing to experience,” the statement said. “Our father was a role model in every way. For 30 years, he tirelessly worked 60 to 80-hour weeks until the day he was taken from us.”
Fallon said Remigio had a passion for kindness and helping people.
“Officer Remigio was not only one of the most dedicated officers, but he was a well-respected and well-loved member of our city,” said Mayor Joseph Curtatone. “Whether responding to an emergency, conducting his daily duties, or assisting with one community event or another, Lou met each person with compassion, with a smile, and he was known for going the extra mile to keep our residents safe. His loss will be immeasurable.”
Remigio’s funeral will take place Friday morning in Somerville.
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