Statement on Reverend Helen Murgida

Mayor Sean Reardon releases the following statement on the fatal motor vehicle crash outside City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 28:

"We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of the Reverend Helen M. Sampson Murgida, Affiliate Community Minister at the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church. Reverend Helen was scheduled to deliver a prayer at the State of the City Address.

This is a tragic day for the Newburyport community. Our hearts are prayers are with her family, friends, and the First Religious Society.

As an Interfaith Chaplain, Reverend Helen touched many lives within her congregation and throughout Newburyport. She had spent a long and rewarding career in special education, and she carried her passion to support those facing challenges on through her faith. She advocated tirelessly for the inclusion of people with disabilities, delivering sermons and organizing community programming to raise awareness.

She made our City an even more welcoming and inclusive place.

My office is working with the First Religious Society to offer opportunities for community healing, and will be offering ways to help the many community members affected by this loss. We also are making counseling services available to City Hall staff who have been touched by this tragedy." 

There will be a vigil at 6:30pm on Thursday, 2/29 at First Religious Society, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport. We will continue to inform community members of future services in honor of Reverend Helen.