MARBLEHEAD, MASS. (WHDH) - The Marblehead community was left reeling Friday after a high school senior was killed in a tragic car crash.
Dozens embraced outside Star of the Sea Catholic Church during a vigil to remember 18-year-old James Galante.
Emergency crews responded to a single-car crash on the causeway around 3 a.m. and found Galante suffering from serious injuries, according to Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King.
He later died as a result of his injuries.
“On behalf of the entire Marblehead Police Department, I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of 18-year-old James Galante, of Marblehead, who tragically died this afternoon from his injuries suffered in a motor vehicle crash early this morning,” King said in a statement.
King noted that his department is working with the Marblehead School District to ensure support is made available for members of the community in the coming days.
“On a personal note, I have a daughter who is a senior in high school,” King said. “My wife and I are heartbroken for the Galante Family as we reflect and head into the end of her high school years, just as they should be doing. I can only offer my family’s heartfelt condolences, and assurances that we will conduct a complete and thorough investigation.”
Galante was set to graduate in a few months and had just been accepted to Denison University to continue playing the sport he loved most.
Wearing the number 19 with pride, those who knew Galante say he was known to give it his all on the football field.
Members of the Marblehead Public Schools community say the sudden loss has been difficult for students — many of who were dear friends of Galante’s.
“We extend our deepest condolences to James’s family and friends and to our entire MPS community. I have no doubt that our Marblehead community will come together to support the Galante family through their unimaginable grief,” the school district wrote in a statement to 7NEWS.
The crash remains under investigation.
Anyone who may have information is asked to call the Marblehead Police Department at 781-631-1212 and ask for Sgt. Brady or Detective Gay.
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