Karl Johnson, a business owner and former public servant on multiple town boards, has died from injuries suffered in an accident that took place on Pleasant Street last week. He was 80 years old.
Johnson served on the Planning Board for six years and most recently served on the town’s Light Commission before resigning due to health concerns. He and his wife, Beth, were local business owners who had lived in town for nearly 40 years.
A native of Warwick, R.I., Johnson graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1967, receiving his Master of Education from Boston State before teaching at the high-school level in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
During his summers, he worked as a carpenter and started KA Johnson Builders, which he ran for 50 years. A fitness enthusiast, Johnson met his wife, after attending an aerobics class she was teaching. Together, they both operated their own health clubs, Energy Works and Energy Within for four decades. Karl and Beth celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary last month.
In lieu of flowers, muffins and peanut M&M’s can be provided for Beth. A celebration of Johnson’s life will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Gerry from 4 to 7 p.m.
Johnson’s death was announced by Police Chief Dennis King in a statement on Tuesday. According to a police report, he was walking on Pleasant Street when he was hit by a car at approximately 6 p.m. on Oct. 27. King said in the statement that Johnson succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 5 after being treated at Beth Israel Hospital, according to a notice received from the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
In coordination with the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the Police Department is working on a joint investigation into the collision.
“As the investigation is ongoing, there is only limited information that can be shared without its integrity,” the statement read.
According to police, the accident occurred “halfway between two traffic control devices,” with one at the intersection of Pleasant and Smith streets and the other at the intersection of Pleasant and Mohawk streets. Both had designated crosswalks.
Police also said in the statement that the vehicle operator remained on scene and “cooperated fully with the investigation at this time.”
The department said that updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
“Our focus is twofold at this time; first, to ensure privacy and supportive services to the Johnson family, and second, to conduct a complete and thorough investigation with our partnering agencies,” the department said in the statement.