Family of Massachusetts Child Killed by Gate Settles

The family of an 11-year-old boy killed when a 1,600-pound metal gate fell on him while he played at a Methuen, Massachusetts school will receive a $600,000 settlement from the city.

The city had previously admitted that it was liable for leaving the unsecured iron gate in an area children could access. The settlement is the maximum amount allowed under state law.

Timothy DiLeo was killed and his younger brother injured when the unhinged gate at the Tenney Grammar School fell on them on Labor Day 2007.

City lawyer Peter McQuillan said in a statement Tuesday the settlement is in the best interests of the city and something the DiLeo family deserves.

Mayor William Manzi told the Eagle-Tribune that no amount of money can replace a child.

The family had no comment.

Information from: Eagle Tribune