Moped driver killed in hit-and-run
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Moped Operator Killed
A moped operator is killed in a hit-and-run crash.
Thomas Fennessey is arraigned in Newport District Court on July 31, 2009.
Published: July 31, 2009
Updated: July 31, 2009
LITTLE COMPTON, R.I.—A Little Compton man was charged Friday in a hit-and-run accident that killed a man riding a moped.
Thomas Fennessey, 66, was arraigned in Newport District Court on several charges, including driving while intoxicated, death resulting, and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. He was released on bail.
Police Fennessey was driving a pickup truck that struck and killed Michael Occhi, who was driving a moped on Peckham Road at about 8 p.m. Thursday.
Police said Fennessey left the scene but was later located with the help of a witness.
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Reader Reactions
My heart goes out to Mr. Occhi’s family. I, unfortunately, did not have him for english, but knew him at school. He was a well respected teacher and made a difference in the lives of many students.
He did not accidentally run someone over. He choice to drink, impair his vision & reaction time. I won’t even say he is a teacher I will just say he is an adult who should have known better. An accident is an accident but when you choose to get behind the wheel of a car drunk then it stops being an accident it becomes possible murder.
Prosecute this man no matter how good he did in his past still a killer
Are you kidding me? So if you “accidentally” run someone over you are a killer?
We all do dumb stuff, but some dumb stuff once done, it’s over - but not all dumb stuff makes you a killer!
N0 I am not defending what this dumb azz did.
prosecute this man no matter how good he did in his past still a killer
My heart breaks for all that are mourning. May you soon find piece knowing this man, Mr Occhi, is now in a wonderful place. Peace to you all.
i had mr occhi for english class..he was a well respected man..there are funny memories(his push cart that he would have all his work on).i remember one time in class i smooshed a bee and he got mad..he said"BEE’S ARE LIVING TINGS AS WELL AS US.“ i will never forget that..he didnt deserve to die..we are always told by our teachers dont let friends drink and drive..the teacher who hit mr occhi should of thought before he got behind that wheel and started his car..he should of called for a friend.. teachers are alwasy telling us and teaching us responsibility…where was his responsibility? he was responsibile for his action when he got drunk and got behind the wheel of his truck.. yes people make mistakes( i know we all have)but an inocent mans life was taking becaue the other teacher wasnt responsible.. it was a carless action and now he has to live with it for the rest of his life…while mr occhi’s family students(past and present) and the teacher at central falls high school have to live with the lose of a great teacher.. he wasnt only a teacher he was a friend to us all as well..he would always quote EMILY DICKINSON during every class..RIP Mr Occhi…
I agree with “piglet” and that our senior year will suck without one of the best teachers in Central Falls Highschool. I still have pictures of Mr.Occhi standing over Emily Dickinson’s grave on our last field trip. You will be remembered forever in my heart, and of all of your students. He gave me the nickname of Mighty Karen, and I will keep it in my heart forever. I love you Michael Occhi !! 
Occhi was one of the best; my senior year will suck without him :‘( he was one of a kind and will be missed. i was supposed to have class with occhi this year :/ he influenced me so much; he helped me stick to vegetarianism :] haha he always made sure his opinions were heard. i hope he’s with emily dickinson up there. we love you occhi; you will Never be forgotten. -piglet 
“O Captain my Captain” on our final exam in the 10th grade we all had to stand on our desk and face Mr. Occhi and say that like in Dead poets society. As he looked at us on our desk he smiled so proudly. It’s a shame that a Honest, loving, Caring person left us so soon all because a grown man made a stupid decision that has effect all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mr.Occhi. We all loved you. When I read Emily Dickson I will be thinking of you! And to Thomas Fennessey Family sorry that he made an awful decision but he took a very important person away from us.
It is a very sad day in both families lives, not for Fennessey himself. He was irresponsible and cowdardly to leave the scene, and drinking and driving! He was a teacher in LC, as well the man he killed (both were teachers) Fennessey led many youth groups in the town, and was rather prominent, but did have an air of arrogance. Hopefully, his name, and position, did not influence the pitifully low bail, and even being let out on bail till September!! To the neighbor who reported him, and helped to locate him…Thank You.
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