Selectmen Hold Moment of Silence for Shane Farrell

A moment of silence was held for Shane Farrell at the end of Wednesday’s selectmen meeting.

Earlier in the day, the 13-year-old Qualters Middle School student tragically died when he was hit by a school bus on East Street.

“It’s been a rough day in Mansfield. Our sympathies go to the family of the man who lost is life and those involved.,” Town Manager William Ross said

Echoing Ross. Selectmen Chairman George Dentino said, “It’s very hard to stomach something like this as quick has it happened without reason. Mansfield has been known to rally around people from Relay for Life to the soldiers that die, they rally around and that’s why Mansfield is such a strong community. You hate to see people leaving life at such a young age.”

Selectman Jess Aptowitz was at the scene, talking to first responders and making sure they were alright. One detective, according to the selectman, was crying during the investigation.

“It goes to show that they’re human beings. Whether you’re a firefighter, EMT or policeman, it’s a very difficult job when these things happen,” Aptowitz said.

Both Ross and Aptowitz praised superintendent Zeffro Gianetti for his handling of the situation and transport of the kids on the bus to another bus back to Qualters Middle and Mansfield High Schools.