By Beth David, Editor
A four-year-old Acushnet boy was killed by a car on 6/10/26 in New Bedford, on Cherokee Street, near Sassaquin Pond. Young Liam Pinheiro was riding his tricycle while visiting family when he collided with a truck. The driver stayed on scene and cooperated with police.
“Our community has been devastated by this sudden and inconceivable tragedy,” said Acushnet Superintendent of Schools, Paula Bailey, in a letter to parents, and offering condolences to the family and the entire Acushnet community. “We expect our staff and students may experience overwhelming grief, and we pledge to offer support as we work through this together.”
She said they would have counselors from across the region available to students and families.
“Our top priority is the health, safety and well-being of our students, both physical and mental,” wrote Dr. Bailey. “We understand that this will be an incredibly difficult time for our entire school community, and we ask both parents and students to please be open, talk about your feelings, and let us know if we can help in any way.”
In a post on Facebook, Acushnet Superintendent of Schools, Paula Bailey, thanked faculty, staff, and community partners for their help supporting and comforting students.
“Our Acushnet Public Schools community has experienced an unimaginable loss with the tragic passing of one of our youngest students, Liam,” wrote Dr. Bailey. “During this incredibly difficult time, my heart is with Liam’s family, his siblings, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and will continue to hold them close in our thoughts.”
Showing a photo of six K9 officers, Dr. Bailey thanked them and other partners for saying the “kindness shown through counseling support, comfort dogs, thoughtful planning, and generous donations of restaurant gift cards and monetary contributions for Liam’s family has been deeply moving.
“In moments of grief, we are reminded of the strength of community. Thank you to everyone who has come together with compassion, love, and support for Liam’s family and for our school community.”
Several Acushnet restaurants have donated a portion of their profits on a rotating basis throughout the week, including: Blue Point, Acushnet Creamery, High Seas, Rochelle’s, Seafood Hut, Country Whip, The Mill, Captain’s Place, Kam’s Cuisine, Ponderosa. Blue Lantern and JT’s Pub also donated directly to the family.
“As our community mourns alongside the Pinheiro family, local businesses throughout Acushnet are coming together to help carry them through this difficult time. Every act of support is a reflection of the love this community has for one another,” reads the Facebook post by Acushnet Creamery. “We hope the Pinheiro family knows that they are surrounded by an entire town standing beside them with compassion, prayers, and unwavering support.”
Young Liam’s father works as a corrections officer for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Colleagues created a GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-anthony-pinheiros-family). By press time it had reached $121,029 of its $140,000 goal.
In his obituary, young Liam is remembered as an energetic, fun child who made everyone laugh.
“His infectious personality and kind spirit made him impossible not to love,” reads the obituary.
“More than anything else, Liam was deeply loved,” reads the obituary. “He brought immeasurable happiness to his parents, family, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. His bright smile, playful spirit, and loving heart leave behind a legacy far greater than his five years.”
Liam’s funeral services will be on 6/22 at St. Gabriel’s Church, Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford. Arrangements are by Rock Funeral Home. The obituary requests donations to Friends of Jack Foundation.
Liam is survived by his parents, Anthony and Megan; two brothers, Jacob and Alec; his grandparents, Dennis and Catherine Beaulieu of FL, and Antonio and Adelina of New Bedford; two aunts, five cousins and many extended family members.
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Click here to download the 6/18/26 issue: 06-18-26 NoKings
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