BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said it has mobilized an emergency contract to further secure the staircase near the JFK/Umass MBTA station where a Boston University professor apparently fell and died over the weekend.
RELATED: Boston University professor dies after apparent fall from staircase near JFK/UMass station
In a statement to Boston 25 News, MassDOT said in January 2020, the structure was fenced in, a cement barricade was installed, and signs were installed by the MBTA stating that the staircase would be closed.
Boston University Associate Professor David jones died Saturday in an apparent 20-foot fall through the dilapidated set of stairs that connects Columbia Road with Old Colony Avenue near the MBTA station.
Massachusetts State Police said a passerby found Jones’ body under the staircase around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
“Our lives were changed forever last weekend with the sudden, tragic and preventable passing of our beloved father, husband, son, brother David Kline Jones,” the family said in a statement. “Our hope is that this unimaginable tragic loss will foster a renewed commitment to create safe and healthy environments for all people.”
The incident is still under investigation.