An MIT sophomore died Friday night due to injuries sustained in an apparent
hit-and-run car accident.
Michelle Micheletti, 19, was apparently hit by two cars on Memorial
Drive in front of New House, where she lived. She and four friends were
going out to dinner.
According to State Police Lieutenant Paul Maloney, Micheletti was first struck by a Porsche driven by one Feras Binladen, 25, of Charlestown. According to Maloney, accident reconstruction conducted by the State Police indicates that Micheletti was then hit by a second vehicle.
Police have not identified the second vehicle, which did not stop.
MIT Campus Police performed CPR at the scene. The Cambridge Fire Department brought Micheletti to MGH, where she died at 7:39 p.m..
According to Maloney, it appears that neither substance abuse, nor excessive speed played a role in the accident. Maloney said that Micheletti's friends, who witnessed the accident, have yet to be interviewed.
State Police request that anyone with information pertaining to the accident contact them at (508)820-2300.
Micheletti was a native of Millbrae, California, a suburb of San Francisco.
Last year, she ran for social chair of the class of 2000, and later sophomore class vice-president. She was vice-president of New House 3 and was a counselor in the Freshman Leadership Program last August; she had participated in the program herself before her freshman year.
She pledged the Alpha Phi sorority earlier this year.
"Michele had a joy of life that brightened everything around her," Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology John Essigmann and New House housemaster told MIT Tech Talk. "She was everybody's friend. We shall miss her quick smile, her wonderful sense of humor and the great contribution she would have made to MIT over the years, Our community has lost one of its integral parts."
MIT President Vest released the following statement to The MIT Observer:
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic and completely senseless death of Michele Micheletti.
"Several who knew her well have commented on what an engaging and gregarious young woman she was, and on what a positive influence she had on those around her. Among other things, she was engaged in advising the Task Force on Student Life and Learning.
"I spoke last night by phone with her father in California and conveyed the sympathy of the MIT community. My heart goes out to her family and to her many friends here at MIT.
"Becky and I are grateful to John and Ellen Essigmann (New House housemasters), the New House resident tutors, Dean Leo Osgood and his colleagues in the Dean's Office, and the staff of the MIT Medical Department for their strong, caring actions throughout last night and today."
As of press time, no memorial service for Micheletti has been announced.