Moped operator involved in crash with minivan dies

BOSTON (AP) - The operator of a moped that struck the side of a minivan in Boston last week has died, state police said Monday.

Joseph Pielmeier, 30, who has addresses in Virginia as well as in Massachusetts, died at the hospital on Sunday, police said in a statement.

The investigation indicates that Pielmeier, who was not wearing a helmet, drove through a red light while traveling 30 mph to 40 mph at about 6:45 p.m. Friday and struck the passenger-side sliding door of the minivan, police said. The driver of the minivan had the green light, state police said.

Pielmeier was thrown from the moped and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A 3-year-old girl in the minivan was taken to the hospital with a bruised shoulder.

The minivan driver, a 30-year-old Milton man, will not face charges because evidence indicates that the moped operator caused the crash, police said.