John Axelrod Killed in Deliberate Back Bay Hit-and-Run, Boston, MA – January 3, 2026

On January 3, 2026, John Axelrod, a 79-year-old prominent Boston art collector and advisor to the Museum of Fine Arts, was fatally struck by an SUV in the Back Bay while walking with his dog. Authorities have reported that the collision was intentional; the driver, identified as 42-year-old William Haney, fled the scene before surrendering to Brookline police. Haney faces charges including murder and animal cruelty and is currently undergoing a psychiatric evaluation to determine competency for trial.

Axelrod’s contributions to Boston’s art community were extensive, encompassing the John Axelrod Collection of nearly 70 works by Black artists and significant holdings of 20th-century European decorative arts. The Museum of Fine Arts has expressed deep sorrow at his passing, highlighting his philanthropy and decades-long advocacy for underrepresented artists. A memorial has been established near the site of the incident, reflecting the impact of Axelrod’s life on both the local community and the cultural landscape of Boston.