Photo: Location of the accident
A Belmont couple was killed in a multi-vehicle accident near the restaurant they frequented on Soldier Fields Road in Brighton on Monday, June 27.
Massachusetts State Police identified the victims as Donald Houllahan, 85, and his wife Jean, 83, who lived on Vale Road in the Hill Estates.
In a press release, the MSP reported at approximately 7:15 p.m., a 2019 Acura RDX driven by Donald Houllahan was exiting the IHOP restaurant in the area of 1800 Soldiers Field Road in Brighton when it was struck by a 2016 Infiniti Q50 traveling eastbound on Soldiers Field Road, resulting in both vehicles ending up in the westbound lane. No other vehicles were involved, according the release.
The Houllahans “were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Mr. Houllahan passed away shortly after arriving at a hospital, Ms Houllahan succumbed to her injuries overnight. Three occupants in the Infiniti were transported to an area hospital with serious, but non-life-threating, injuries,” the MSP reported.
The crash remains under investigation by Troopers assigned to State Police-Boston.
The Houllahans had strong roots in Belmont with Jean being a life-long resident and graduate from Belmont High School. The couple raised their three children, Brian, Sue and Mark, on Carleton Road as each graduated from Belmont High. Town records showed they moved back to Belmont from Bedford in 1996 to the townhouse on Vale Road.
Donald Houllahan was well-known throughout town as the owner of Bowtie Limousine Inc. on Common Street, the ”go-to” limo service for proms, wedding and other events in the Boston area.
Funeral services are pending.
It is with great sorrow to hear this tragic news of this lovely Belmont couple. We too have frequented the IHOP over many years and Soldiers Field Road can be quite congested at rush hour as well as many vehicles speeding on that roadway and great caution needs to be taken when driving along that road especially when turning in or out of the shops and stores in the area. Although we didn’t know the Belmont couple they live nearby to our neighborhood. It is quite devastating to hear of such sad news. Our hearts ❤️ go out to their three children in their time of grief. We pray 🙏 that they Rest In Peace in the loving arms of God forever more. With our very deepest sympathies to the Family.