5-year-old boy identified as victim in deadly New Bedford bicycle crash

The young boy who was hit by a vehicle and killed while riding his bike in New Bedford on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as 5-year-old Liam Pinheiro. In a letter to families, the superintendent of the Acushnet Public School district said he was a preschool student. "Our community has been devastated by this sudden and inconceivable tragedy. We feel this loss deeply and offer our sincerest condolences to the family and to the entire Acushnet community as we struggle with this news," the letter said. The district has reached out to a private counseling provider to help provide support for families in the aftermath of this tragedy. Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said the boy's father has worked for the agency for several years. Heroux said everyone at the department is heartbroken. MORE NEWS: Man faces two counts of murder in Fall River deaths A coworker began a GoFundMe which has raised tens of thousands to support the family. In addition, the family will be able to seek support from the department's employee assistance program. In a Facebook post, the Acushnet Youth Soccer Association confirmed the 5-year-old boy has a connection to the league. "His older brothers have also been part of our AYSA program, and this loss is being felt deeply by many in our soccer community," the post said. Authorities said Pinheiro was riding his bike on Cherokee Street when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with police. Investigators are still working to learn exactly what led to the crash. No charges have been filed at this time.