2-year-old who died at Cohasset auto repair shop identified: How you can help the family
The 2-year-old boy who died after an accident involving a heavy piece of machinery at his grandfather’s Cohasset auto repair shop has been identified.
Mahmoud Awada died Aug. 31, according to a Facebook post from Cohasset Chamber of Commerce President Sean Cunning. The Cohasset Police Department shared the post on its page and verified the post’s authenticity with The Patriot Ledger.
Cunning, who is the family's insurance agent and whose office is near the auto repair shop, Hajj Auto Care, helped set up an Abington Bank account to collect donations for the family.
People can donate by dropping off a check at any Abington Savings Bank or use Zelle to send it directly to the account. The Hajj Awada Family Memorial fund will help the family pay for Mahmoud’s burial in Lebanon and other expenses.
More than $5,800 had been raised as of Tuesday afternoon.
Local residents are considering how to best honor the child and his family, whether that's by respecting their privacy or by holding a vigil, Cunning said. For now, people have been placing flowers outside the auto repair shop at 55 Main St.
"A lot of people are really upset about it," Cunning said.
The accident happened at about 12:40 p.m. at the shop, which is part-owned by Mahmoud’s grandfather, who lives in Hull, police said. The grandfather carried Mahmoud to the police station less than one-third of a mile away from the shop.
Previous coverage: Toddler dead in 'horrible tragedy' at Cohasset auto repair shop: What police said
From there, Mahmoud was taken to South Shore Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Town police, detectives with the Norfolk County district attorney’s office and officials with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating what happened.
Officials say it appears to be an accident.
Mel McLaughlin, who owns The Barrel Country Market near the auto shop, told WCVB that the boy was "kind, gentle, very excited to be here" and always followed his grandfather.
"There was definitely an unconditional love. That is why the story itself is that much more heartbreaking," she said.
Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at hmorse@patriotledger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 2-year-old who died at Cohasset auto repair shop identified
