A woman and two children found unresponsive on a sidewalk outside a Northeastern University parking garage in Boston were pronounced dead at the hospital in a Christmas tragedy that shook first responders.Boston police said they had not determined exactly what happened, but investigators later towed a black SUV that contained two child car seats from the top of the eight-story garage.The garage is the same one where Boston College student Alexander Urtula, 22, killed himself on his graduation day in May, allegedly at the urging of his girlfriend.After Wednesday’s incident, Northeastern University said it was blocking off the top floors of the Renaissance Parking Garage.“The restricted access will continue until a permanent solution is implemented,” it said in a statement. “In addition, effective immediately, there will be 24-hour security staffing in place.”Estranged Husband, Girlfriend of Missing NYC Teacher Charged With MurderAuthorities had not released the identities of the victims.“Today is a tragedy,” Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said in a press conference. “At this point, this is a death investigation.”Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins, whose office is leading the investigation, noted that the holiday season can be hard for people.“On Christmas and the holiday season where many people are celebrating, it can be a challenging and difficult time,” Rollins said, according to CBS Boston. “I feel it imperative that we let people know that there is help.”“As a mother, it was incredibly hard, this scene in particular, where there were two children who lost their lives today,” Rollins added.Northeastern University did not immediately respond to The Daily Beast’s request for comment, but campus police sent an alert to students about police activity near the Ruggles MBTA station and said they should “avoid the area.”First responders were offered counseling.“We know all too well that this kind of trauma leaves scars on first responders as well,” Boston EMS union President Michael MacNeil said, according to WCVB. “We are committed to caring for our members and our brothers and sisters in the police and fire services so that we can all continue to protect the safety and health of the residents and visitors of Boston.”MacNeil said the woman and children “were given the best possible care we could provide, but it was not enough to save their lives,” MacNeil said. “The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of Boston EMS are with the families experiencing this unspeakable tragedy on this holiday.”If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
