‘Sidney’s Rainbow Day’ celebrates 5-year-old girl who died in crash in Andover last year – NBC Boston

On Saturday, a community came together to celebrate the life of a young girl who died in an accident in Andover, Massachusetts, last year.

On May 9, 2023, 5-year-old Sidney Olson was fatally struck by a semi-truck at the intersection of Main Street and Elm Street.

A celebration of her life, “Sidney’s Rainbow Day,” was held Saturday with a rainbow parade, music and activities for children.

Hundreds of children and their families were there.

Sidney’s family says she loved rainbows. She also stated that every day is the best day ever.

“Sindey was a rainbow. She was full of kindness and joy, and today’s event was designed to be just that,” said her father, Eric Olson. “We wanted to bring the entire community together so they could feel the spirit of Sidney, and then we want them to see what it can be like to have a truly safe and livable city.”

“Where you feel comfortable walking and biking with your kids, anywhere in the city, whether it’s Andover or the entire state of Massachusetts,” said Sidney’s mother, Mary Beth Ellis. “We really want our cities to be safer for families.”

The family was on their way to an art class at the time of the accident, prompting calls from the community for increased safety at the intersection.

Prosecutors said the driver would not be prosecuted. The family filed a civil lawsuit.