Frankey Wright Jr Died While Trying to Save Girlfriend Who Made Contact With Electrified Third Rail Tracks at the Forest Hills MBTA Station
FOREST HILLS, BOSTON (September 1, 2026) – A 19-year-old man identified as Frankey Wright Jr has tragically died after falling onto an electrified third rail at a Forest Hills MBTA station.
Boston police officials are saying that the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon. Frankey Wright Jr was attempting to save his girlfriend, who had fallen onto the MBTA tracks in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood.
At some point during the incident, he also fell onto the tracks and came into contact with an electrified third rail. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims.
His girlfriend was transported to a local area hospital to receive treatment. Tragically, Frankey Wright Jr was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.
According to the online fundraiser, “Branden is raising funds for Frankey Wright, a beloved cousin whose life was taken far too soon. Frankey was electrocuted on a train railing in a tragic accident while trying to save his girlfriend. His loss has left a deep hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. Frankey leaves behind parents, siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews who are now grieving an unimaginable loss.”
Liability for Massachusetts Subway Platform Accidents
Massachusetts common carrier laws require that transportation companies exercise reasonable care under the circumstances to prevent foreseeable sources of harm. This duty of care is heightened when it comes to the steps they must take to protect passengers. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has elaborated on this heightened duty in Bannister v. Berkshire Street Railway Co., 301 Mass. 598 (1938). A common carrier could face liability for an accident if they allowed their premises to fall into a dangerous condition that caused someone to be injured. Courts in Massachusetts will take into consideration numerous factors when evaluating liability for any accident at an MBTA station.
- Platform Condition: It matters whether or not the platform where the accident took place was potentially slick or had any raised edges that could become a tripping hazard.
- Lighting: Another important area of consideration is whether or not the area surrounding the accident had adequate lighting.
- Inspections: The level of care taken to inspect and maintain the property must also be taken into consideration.
- Accident History: It also matters whether or not there is a history of similar incidents at the location. When there is a history of incidents at any location, similar events become increasingly foreseeable.
If a common carrier has actual or constructive notice that their property is in a dangerous condition, they must take action. Failing to take action could form the basis of a negligence claim. Consider, for example, Esau v. Trustees of New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co., 321 Mass. 330 (1947). In that case, the plaintiff snagged his toe on a raised plank near a depression that caused him to fall into the path of a passing train. He was subsequently run over by the train and sustained major injuries to both of his feet. The court held that a jury could find the defendant liable because the dangerous condition was near the tracks and it had existed for several years.
Preventing Accidents Near Platform Edges at MBTA Stations
Slip and fall accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death across Massachusetts and the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2024, 48,308 people died in falls at home and at work, according to Injury Facts®. That’s 24% of all preventable injury-related deaths in the U.S. For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.” There are several measures that MBTA stations can take to prevent falls on their property.
- Maintenance: They should engage in routine inspections and periodic maintenance along all major walkways. This is particularly important for any walkway near a ledge or electrified rail.
- Physical Barriers: They should install physical barriers in key areas to prevent people from accidentally falling onto train tracks or other potential hazards.
- Emergency Response: They should develop and implement clear emergency response procedures to address any incident where a person does fall onto train tracks.
- Warnings: They should install high-contrast markings that warn people that they are near the edge of a platform.
Accidents at MBTA stations are often highly preventable. They tend to be the consequence of major safety lapses and tripping hazards that have gone unaddressed for years. Unfortunately, the MBTA has demonstrated time and again that they are not likely to accept responsibility if someone is injured on their property. This is why it is so important that these incidents are thoroughly investigated by an outside party. The family of any person who died due to a dangerous condition at an MBTA station may be able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil action.
Investigating Boston MBTA Station Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Frankey Wright Jr. It is our sincere hope that his girlfriend will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that needs to be thoroughly investigated. Many important safety questions have yet to be answered. Is there a history of similar incidents at this location? Was there any type of defect on the walkway where this incident happened?
Do you need more information about a Boston MBTA station accident? Our team of transportation safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their legal options and holding the MBTA accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique facts of any case, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.