Mother and son killed by car while trick-or-treating in Westfield

so sad.......

I bet the driver was on her cell phone at the time of the accident.

to comment #2. I know that it's easy to make accusations when we see so many drivers chatting on the cell phone while driving, but we don't know anything about the situation yet. We don't know if the child and mother were wearing dark clothes or not. We don't know if they were crossing to the other side or if they were even on a sidewalk. This is devastating to the family but also to the driver who struck these people as well. I have no doubt that Anne is going to need counseling after this.

I'll wager $1,000 on the fact that the 26 year old woman was on the phone as well.

you really should feel really bad they were killed doing something that most people do it could happen to anyone i feel sorrow god rest your souls.

That's the trouble with these "blog" news stories - no one really knows what happened. It's all speculation. I really wish that these things wouldn't be put online until they have more facts. How very, very tragic and sad for the victims and the driver.

This is a terribly sad situation for all involved. Thank you Carolyn, I would like to ask that people do not judge Anne for this. There is always more to a story than a mere article can ever cover. We can never know the exact circumstances and must just hope for the best for those involved. It was a terrible accident, and no one can ever imagine what it's like until they're there.

It's possible that they darted out in front of the car, we don't know whether the mom was distracted. But really, this isn't just a nine-year old kid, it's a 47 year old mom. It's hard to imagine this isn't the fault of the driver. Anyone driving fast or aggressively or inattentively on Halloween night are just F*ing scum. One night a year, can't you be careful?

i am so sorry that that happend so so sad

The way I see it is the driver was obviously going to fast if she was able to kill 2 people. It was Halloween, you know people are going to be walking around and kids will be everywhere...and we all know how kids are they have tendencies to run into the road so if you know kids are all around you, you would think she would've paid more attention to her surroundings and drove slowly.

I'm not willing to make the assumption that Schlichtig was gabbing on her cell phone at the time of the accident. But, I am absolutely positive that she was going too fast. This is how almost all accidents are caused: by selfish, impatient people who aren't willing to ease off the gas pedal. Common sense tells you that accident probabilities decrease with each decrease in MPH of speed. I'll bet most of the comment posters are guilty of this even as they lash out at Sclichtig. To the 3rd poster, I don't really care how repentant Schlichtig is or even whether she'll need counseling. She was a selfish, reckless driver, and having to live with this guilt for the rest of her life is only a fraction of the punishment she deserves. Let this tragedy serve as a lesson to all you other Bay State drivers.

What is AMAZING to me is how all of you brag about how its family first here in Mass.. Its all about the kids & family. I grew up in the Rocky Mtn states & I have NEVER lived in a place where so many of you drive like crap. including the police. People drive through my neighorhood at 35 to 45 mph & I'm on a side street in Franklin. Who are the speeders? Overscheduled soccer moms, contractors, & teenagers. Slow the F*&# down! Saying sorry doesn't cut it. Nothign will happen to the driver, accountability today is a dirty word. May God watch over this family.

Actually, on Halloween night last night we had a adult dressed in black head-to-toe and her black dog jaywalk across Jamaicaway, when we were on our way driving home. We very nearly hit them and neither one of us were distracted--we were very upset though at how careless the walker was because we'd never get over hitting someone or a pet. Sometimes people don't dress in light clothing/add reflective strips or wear masks which can impede their line of vision.

I don't think there should be a rush to judge either side. Its really tragic and my heart goes out to the family and the driver.

On Halloween, shouldn't everyone be driving slowly KNOWING that Trick or Treaters are out? ESPECIALLY around 8pm? Ridiculous.
I'm not judging Ms. Schlichtig specifically. I'm just thinking of how this could have happened. I live here in Westfield, and I see my fair share of complete idiots on the road who must have gotten their licenses from cereal boxes, so the chances are pretty good that someone wasn't paying attention.
Regardless, it's an awful thing to have happened in our community, and my sincere condolences go out to the Salois family.

Let me add my agreement with those who feel that based on the information provided, all we KNOW is that on a night that should have been fun, shared fun, for a mother and her son, they died tragically in a car accident. That is all we KNOW, and anything and EVERYTHING else is pure speculation -- or, on the part of some posters, malicious speculation.

Of course, we know or can surmise some of the most common reasons for pedestrian deaths on Hallowe'en. But none of us have any knowledge whatsoever of the reasons for THESE deaths.

I agree with 'skeptic' -- you have to drive slow and paranoid on Halloween. On the other hand, you have to cross streets carefully too, especially if you have a child with you. Probably two mistakes, with two lives lost and a third damaged.

In regards to the cell phone, maybe she was and maybe she wasnt. I think the point here is not to crucify Anne, but to point out the fact that driving while talking on cell phones do cause deaths. Maybe she wasnt talking on the cell but talking on a cell could easily distract someone from the fact that it is Halloween and there are kids out. Easily distract you from the speed you are going.

IMHO - Talking on cell phones while driving should be kept to emergencies and kept short and sweet. Gabbing is just dumb.

To the victims family,
Very sad accident. I feel terrible, if I could do anything I would.
Again I'm so sorry this happened.

In New Hampshire they trick or treat in the daylight hours on I believe the Sunday before or closest to Halloween. This is for the protection of all those children and adults who are out celebrating the holiday. It also affords elderly a chance to enjoy seeing the kids in their costumes because it is daylight and they do not have to worry about their safety. Last night as I passed out candy I watched as people in cars literally flew down my street. First and foremost everyone should be driving slow if this is to continue as a tradition, secondly all those walking need to carry lights and or wear something light or reflective. Every state should adopt the policy of New Hampshire on this issue.

It could just be a terrible accident. I mean, people walk in streets when trick or treating AND it was dark out? maybe an unlit street. I also feel very bad for the driver who also has to be devastated and has to now live with it. Its a terrible tradgedy for everyone involved.

I live on the street where these people were killed. I see at least 4-10 police cars with their lights flashing, pass by my house a night. Trucks, big rigs, cars, and people travelling to Connecticut are speeding by at all times of the day. I have crossed on the crosswalk with the crossguard before and still had a car drive by us. People think that becuse this is a frequently used route known as the 10-202, that it is ok to speed. There are many children waling up and down these streets all day since there are 2 schools on this route. There is no doubt in my mind that she was speeding. If you go the required speed limit, it gives yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyou enough time to slow down or swervre

Unless you were witness to the tragedy you should not speculate. How could you possibly come up with these scenarios ? You should all go back and stick to watching your Jerry Springer re-runs.

They should check her cell records for sure. And if she was on the phone she should go to jail for reckless homicide.

Typical stupid female driver,, probably speeding and talking on her cell phone,, talking about where to meet up with her single friends,, absolutley 100% at fault was the driver,, its Haloween night for christ sakes,, Be Careful !!!
Throw the book at her...
God rest the souls of those 2

"I grew up in the Rocky states and we drive so much better". Hey Disgusted Dan, shut up until you know what happened. There are so many variables that could have been involved and you have no idea who or what is to blame. Wait until you have some facts until you start making assumptions, or move back to where you came from. A little intelligence goes a long way.

(Pause)

Mom and son died on a fun night out.

Young woman tragically scarred for driving the car in the accident.

Life is short people, you could be any one of these three people.

Think about it.

Is it really that difficult to drive a car? Obviously the driver is at fault. it's sad.

Just remember no one gets in there car and drives off planning to hit someone thats why we call them accidents, good things happen to people and life goes on. So allways leave your loved ones with a hug and a smile because it could very well be the last time you ever see them again.

It was a fairly warm night , so housemate and I sat out on our front steps in E Springfield . Our somewhat busy street had over 100 trick or treaters . We watched and gave out our snacks for over an hour from 630 to 730 pm. In that 1 hour , 5 cars ZOOMED in front of us ! This is a street that usually has a lot of cars parked on the street to due to lack of driveway spaces for some of the homes. We were waiting for a car to be hit , let alone a child !
So sorry for your loss to the Friends and Family in Westfield.

I have to agree with posts #12 and #13. I have been a resident of MA all my life, but have been to many other states for my job. I have NEVER seen so many people LACK COMMON SENSE as in Massachusetts. Such as: Riding a bike at night with dark clothes on and no lights or reflectors. Walking down a street at night with dark clothes on and no reflectors. Walking right into a crosswalk (or more likely jay walking) without even pausing to see if traffic is going to stop. Police who speed through residential zones, almost hitting playing children, while on routine patrol. The list goes on and on. The funny thing is all these people claim to be so "educated". Maybe the driver was at fault in this case, maybe not. Don't pass judgement until all the facts are in.

I dont think it was anyones fault shit happens so dont just gang up on the driver you have no idea what her situation was at the time . . . . May god be with the family in there time of need

It is sad and it's a reminder to wear light reflective clothing when trick or treating. The article doesn't say anything about how busy this South Maple street is but if it is a busy street, extra caution is always needed, or maybe avoid the street altogether.

I feel it is important to wait for all the details before jumping to any conclusions. Any way you slice it, this is a tragedy.

What is so much sadder than the fact that two innocent people died is that they died in vain. Nothing will change, and nothing will be done to make roads safer. Why? Thank you, A.B-G, for answering that question. Because drivers think that it is the pedestrians' responsibililty to protect themselves, not their's. Not the driver needs to slow down, no, the people on the streets need to wear reflective gear, so that drivers can continue barreling down the streets of our neighborhoods at excessive speeds (excessive not in relation to the speed limit, but to what would be safe). This is simply ludicrous.
A.B-G, if you almost hit someone last night, you either need to have your vision checked, your headlights adjusted, or you were going to fast. Or all of the above. In all cases, in every civilized country you would have been found guilty of manslaughter by the courts.
Slow down, people!

You all disappoint me! You are so quick to be be both judge and jury. Take the time to think about the families on both sides of this tragedy and wish them peace.

why do you all post anything at all? leave it alone, its horrible.

Dan.

MA has the lowest accident rate in the US.

I personally know someone who happened upon this horrific scene even before police or emt's. they stopped to try and help. he said it was the worst thing he's ever seen. a child dressed in a halloween costume in the condition he was in. it was not a pretty scene at all. this girl anne was there the entire time to see what she has done to these people. that is something that will be with her forever whether she was at fault or not she will live with the fact that she killed two people. who are we to judge?

What happened to restricted hours for trick or treating? Halloween should be celebrated during hours prior to dusk.

November is the month of All Souls. Keep these and all the souls of the faithful departed in your prayers.

Requiscant in pace!

I was driving on a busy halloween night and not surprised at all that this happened. Residential areas are not lit at all and it can be impossible to judge at times if there are people coming from the dark. Nevertheless drivers ought to be more careful on a night like halloween.

I read the article and, before scrolling down, thought to myself... bet she was on her cell phone. Then I see within the 1st few comments several people had the same thought. I agree, it's not entirely fair to jump to conclusions - at least not to assess guilt or innocence. But this is an area for comments... thoughts, impressions. My 1st thought... cell phone.

This was a very tragic accident... I agree with everyones side of the story.. No one knows what happend exactly.. I knew the little boy his whole life since the day he was born... Roberta adopted this little boy when he was 5 when his foster mother passed away in 2004...I want to hate the driver but i know i cant judge her because everyone has accidents but that car was wrecked pretty bad from hitting a 9yr old and a mother..I know this though Roberta was a very good mother to him and steven always new how to put a smile on your face... I just hope in the end it was just an accident and not caused by speeding and that everyone just says a prayer for them..

God bless. Very sad.

Our thoughts and prayers should be going out to the deceased...

I almost hit reckless trick-or-treaters myself....I wasn't on the cellphone.

Who is to say it wasn't the fault of the mother?

You respondents are gutless, judgmental opportunists.

to comment #13. The key word in your statment is the fact that you NEARLY hit them you didnt actually hit them which means you were paying attention and driving the speed limit....which is why you didnt hit them. im sure if you were going a little faster and not paying that much of attention you wouldve hit them.

Amazing how many of the posters are quick to jump to conclusions about the tragedy... especially after not knowing all the details. It is a sad situation for all involved - period. My heart goes out to the family of the deceased. I take my 7 year old son out trick-or-treating every year, and it is heart wrenching to think of a 9 year olds life coming to an end so soon under these or any circumstances.
Regardless of how it happened some of you should SHOW SOME MORE COMPASSION.

There but for the grace of God go I. I don't think anyone has a right to judge the driver until they know the facts. It is extremely hard to see pedestrians at night when they're wearing dark clothing.

I find pedestrians to be MUCH worse than drivers in terms of following the rules and paying attention to their surroundings. I say this as someone who walks in Boston every day, and drives once or twice per week. I'll also add that based on this news story, we have NO IDEA which one was not paying attention, but I've got even money that neither was really paying attention to the road in front of them.

My sympathy goes out to the family of those who were killed. Also concern for the woman who hit them.
But I'm also concerned for the firefighters, EMTs, police, and hospital staff who also found their lives affected by this tragedy. Just because they see tragedy on a regular basis does not make them immune to it. It has a terrible effect.

i enjoyed halloween as a child, and i looked forward to walking the neighborhood with my little boy. but the way everyone rushes around today id like to see halloween designated on the last sunday of october from maybe 1pm to 5 pm. its not necesarilly the children who are in a hurry to cross the street but the parents who have to be first in line at your door for candy. god bless them both

So terribly sad. I was one of the drivers detoured because of the accident and I felt it in my bones, something horrible happened, then on the news they said the Mother and child were killed while trick or treating. I only hope they're last moments were filled with laughter and love, mother and son sharing a special time together. I know they are safe and without pain with our Lord and Savior. I also wish peace and love to the family and friends of the mother and her son. I pray for the soul of the young woman who was driving the car, this has also changed her life forever.

Sean (Post 11) Are you serious right now? 2 people are dead and yes, Anne will have to live the rest of her life knowing she was responsible. It is a very sad tragedy, and you have the nerve to come on a forum and post things such as
"I don't really care how repentant Schlichtig is or even whether she'll need counseling. She was a selfish, reckless driver, and having to live with this guilt for the rest of her life is only a fraction of the punishment she deserves."
You have no idea what happened. What if this was your daughter driving the car? While she cries herself to sleep would you scold her and tell her what a waste of life she is? Your a real piece of sh*t..

An

I am so tired of motorist motorists murdering pedestrians and then seeing that no charges have been filed... When the punishment fits the crime, people will slow down and pay attention...

Halloween night, it is a sad tragedy for a mother and son to be taken away when the evening is supposed to be full of fun and mischieve, let's consider for one moment that the particular road they were on is dark. couple that with dark cloting, because after all Halloween is when people wear dark costumes, it could very well be that the driver didn't see the folks until it was too late. Making assumptions about cell phones use and different allegations, it is possible and logical to think that this girl didn't see them, I'm sure that the young lady that hit them must feel horrible, just playing devils advocate, but let the cops to their job and investigate, no charges have been filed as of yet and if she were on the phone and it had been proven I'm sure manslaughter charges would be brought up.

I know the driver, Annie..she used to work at Walmart in Westfield 2 years back. I couldnt stand her. She would bawl every 5 minutes and used her autism as an excuse as to why she didn't want to do her job. She was always on her damn cell phone even when driving. It was practically glued to her hand. I often saw her drive and I knew it was a matter of time before she killed someone...

Thanks, CD (post #34) for pointing out something else about MA residents. Besides the total lack of common sense, there is a lack of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY in this commonwealth that is second to none. Drivers speeding and talking on cell phones is wrong, but pedestrians have the personal responsibility to be as defensive as possible. That includes dressing correctly, not running out in front of traffic or jaywalking, trying to stay as visible as possible at all times. Car vs. human body, car always wins. Take responsibility for your own actions folks (that includes you, CD).

So sad , for both familes. Maybe do away with this pagan hoilday.

To post #19: The State of New Hampshire has no policy on the date or time of Halloween celebration, that is left to individual communities to decide. Most of the towns in southern NH celebrate Halloween on 10/31 between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.

To most other posters: Be careful of your accusations, as they could easily make you an unfortunate hypocrite someday. Having been hit by a bicyclist myself, the second-guessing (by yourself and from others) never ends, regardless of who is officially found "at fault". In my case the bicyclist suffered bad abrasions, a broken collarbone and leg, not death, but the Police's determination that I was not at fault does not make me feel much better.

The problem is everyone is in a rush to go nowhere. Mass driver drive worst that any other state in the U.S believe me i have been around....Everyone proclaim to be so in charge.... However several times i have witnessed the perky teenager putting on make up, talking on the cell and looking for something in the passenger seat while driving....
On the other hand i have also witnessed the man just walking down the side walk with out a pause in his step while approaching the street. He just has this big chip on his shoulder that says "I pay taxes, I have the right".
However in this situation you have to take into account it was Holloween the person behind the wheel should have been alert though out the evening and night.... What ever speed she was traveling was to fast if it wiped out two lives and left 5 other children motherless....
When you are given a license you know the rules.....However how many follow...Residental areas 25 miles and hour......or less on days with more children on the street...She didn't follow the rules...She should be punished.....
HoMother of Theree

i miss steven he was in my school and he was so nice and so very smart he masterd 2 digit multiplaction i was never in his class but i know that he was so very friendly steven had never missed 1 day of school from kindergarten to 4th grade he always had perfect attendance he was never tardy thats how much steven loved school he also never went home early he was adopted and cared for very much by his step mom.when he would come down the hall he hopped and skiped,and ect. but the only thing he didnt do was walk down the hall he never got into troubel and the only reason he went down to the principals office was to get an award for perfect attandence he was always playing with his best buddy william and camren.we all miss you at school so very much rest in peace.GOD BLESS YOU.