Noriko Rapley Killed in Snowplow Truck Incident at MBTA Parking Lot in Norwood, Massachusetts – January 25, 2026

On the afternoon of January 25, 2026, a fatal incident occurred in the Norwood Central MBTA parking lot during active snow removal operations. Authorities reported that 51-year-old Noriko Oshiro-Rapley was struck by a Ford F350 pickup truck being operated in reverse by a contractor assigned to clear snow from the lot. The collision also injured her 47-year-old husband, who was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later returned home to recover.

Oshiro-Rapley, known professionally as Noriko Rapley, was a researcher and Instructor in Medicine in the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Colleagues described her as a respected scientist whose research and mentorship influenced many within the medical and academic communities. The driver, a 33-year-old snowplow operator working for a private contractor, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Transit Police, in coordination with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident, which occurred during severe winter weather conditions that significantly reduced visibility.