Santos Ortiz, a 38-year-old homeless man, died in the early hours of October 7, 2023, after a garbage truck accidentally struck him while he slept on Spring Street in Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts. His companion, whose name has not been disclosed, sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and the local community.
A celebration of Ortiz’s life took place on October 14 at Red’s Club, part of the Portuguese American Civic League on Central Street. The event culminated in a candlelight vigil that moved from the club to the site of the accident, where mourners left tributes to honor Ortiz’s life. According to a memorial posted on the McDonough Funeral Home’s website, Ortiz was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and spent much of his life in Lowell, graduating from high school in Groton.
“Affectionately known to family and friends as ‘Mr. Mean,’ Santos was known for his big heart, sense of humor, and vibrant personality,” his obituary stated. Ortiz worked as a cook for many years at the Wood Street Papa Gino’s and later at the Glenview Restaurant, where he became a beloved figure among patrons and staff alike.
Local reports indicate that Ortiz and his companion had been forced to camp on Spring Street after being moved from other areas of the city, such as South Common. Christine Travis, a member of the homeless community, expressed the challenges they faced:
“We sleep on the benches at the park, and they keep moving us, so we have to sleep on the street, and that is what was going on here.”
The Lowell City Council enacted an ordinance in November 2022 that prohibits camping in public areas. Councilor Wayne Jenness was the only dissenting vote against this legislation. The ordinance has led to a series of enforcement actions aimed at relocating unhoused individuals, often resulting in costly encampment sweeps that have pushed many into less visible areas of the city, including the Back Central neighborhood, where a 22.5-acre park is situated.
A recent observation of the area revealed individuals huddling under blankets in doorways and on curbs, while South Common remained devoid of both homeless individuals and the general public. The tragic death of Ortiz has reignited discussions about homelessness and public safety in Lowell, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
As the community mourns Ortiz, the need for greater awareness and action surrounding homelessness is more pressing than ever. His life, marked by warmth and humor, serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories often overlooked in discussions about urban policy and public safety. The community’s response underscores a collective desire for change that acknowledges the dignity and humanity of all its members.
