Noriko Rapley Norwood, MA Death and Obituary – The Norwood community is mourning the tragic loss of Noriko Rapley, 51, who was killed Sunday afternoon after being struck by a plow truck in an MBTA commuter rail parking lot during a snowstorm.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 2 p.m. in the MBTA Norwood Central parking lot. Rapley and her 47-year-old husband were walking through the lot when a Ford F-350 pickup truck equipped with a snowplow began reversing and struck the couple. Tragically, Noriko Rapley was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her husband was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries that officials said are not considered life-threatening.
Officials reported that the plow truck was driven by a 33-year-old man who remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. The driver is not an MBTA employee but works for a private company contracted by the MBTA for snow removal. It has not yet been determined whether charges will be filed.
Governor Maura Healey addressed the tragedy publicly, calling it “devastating” and “heartbreaking,” and confirmed she spoke with Rapley’s husband following the incident. “My heart goes out to their family,” Healey said.
MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan described the incident as “unimaginable and horrific,” offering condolences on behalf of the MBTA and Transit Police to Rapley’s family and friends.
The crash remains under investigation by MBTA Transit Police and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Noriko Rapley’s sudden and tragic death has left her loved ones and the Norwood community grieving a life lost far too soon. She is remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with family, friends, and neighbors.