Boston Lawyer And Aide To Lynch Killed By Car

William McDermott, an adviser for U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch's Senate campaign and a one-time Boston elections commissioner, died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a city street.

Lynch confirmed the death in a brief statement on Thursday, describing the 66-year-old resident of the South Boston neighborhood as a "dear friend."

McDermott, a prominent Boston attorney who specialized in elections law, served as legal counsel and a general adviser to Lynch, a campaign spokesman said. Lynch, a South Boston Democrat, is running for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Secretary of State John Kerry.

The office of Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley, which is investigating the accident, said it occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Jake Wark, a spokesman for the office, said the pedestrian was crossing Day Boulevard in South Boston, near L Street, when he was struck by a Range Rover.

The driver, a 33-year-old man, stopped immediately after the accident and called 911, Wark said. The man showed no signs of impairment or intoxication and answered questions from state police at the scene.

No charges were filed, but an investigation was continuing, Wark said. The DA did not officially release the identity of the victim or the driver.

"We are heartbroken. Our prayers are with Billy's family today," Lynch said, calling McDermott a longtime friend and a "rock" in the community.

McDermott served as Boston elections commissioner during the administration of the late Mayor Kevin White.

Another of his clients, Massachusetts Treasurer Steven Grossman, said McDermott was a fierce advocate for the proper enforcement of election laws.

"The Democratic Party, the City of Boston and the Commonwealth have lost one of the best," Grossman said in a statement.