MARBLEHEAD — The entire town is grieving the loss of 13-year-old Savannah Gatchell following her death in a car crash early Tuesday morning.
As friends and family gathered that evening at the crash site on Atlantic Avenue — where a public memorial of flowers, candles and other items was gradually growing — Savannah’s mother, Christine Gatchell, told Boston 25 News she was at a loss for words after getting an early morning call that her daughter had died in the crash.
She described her daughter as a kind girl who wore her heart on her sleeve.
Gatchell told the tv station her heart was broken; she couldn’t comprehend what her family had gone through in the last day. “This is the worst tragedy I can ever take in. There’s nowhere to go from here.”
Savannah’s older sister, identified as Allysa Otero, also attends Marblehead schools and described her sister to NBC Channel 10 as “one of a kind” and “the best sister”.
Officials have not publicly identified Savannah Gatchell as the victim, nor released the identity of the 16-year-old male driver, who was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence.
Marblehead Schools Superintendent John Robidoux called the teen’s death “a devastating loss” to the community, in a statement Tuesday afternoon in which he said she was an eighth-grader in the district.
Robidoux said the district would be offering grief counseling at both Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School this week and next.
The teachers’ union also released a statement expressing their condolences to all who are grieving. “In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength and care within Marblehead,” the union said. “As educators, we stand together to support our students, families and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Authorities did not disclose any further details about the crash Tuesday night, following a brief news release earlier in the day, but police Chief Dennis King did release a statement on behalf of his department.
“The men and women of the Marblehead Police Department are extremely saddened by the loss of a young member of our community. We share our deepest condolences with the victim’s family, loved ones, and anyone who is touched by this great loss. Our thoughts are with you,” King said.
“Our priority in the coming days will be to support our community, and most importantly the victim’s family, as they navigate the loss of a daughter, family member, and friend. We respectfully ask the media and community to allow the family the space it needs to properly mourn,” he said.
The crash — which occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on Tuesday — remains under investigation in collaboration with the Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker’s office and state police.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe website organized Tuesday by Hayden Sozanski had, by early Wednesday afternoon, already raised more than $37,000 from more than 500 donations, toward a goal of $50,000.
Donations to the fund will go toward funeral and memorial costs, according to the page, and to help her loved ones as they grieve Savannah’s death.
“Savannah was deeply loved by so many,” the posting read. “She had a huge heart, and always cared for others.
“She was the kind of person you could turn to when you were sad or stressed, and she would be there to listen and bring comfort,” it read.
“Even at such a young age, she had so much life, light, and joy within her, and she touched countless lives around her.
“Her passing has left her family and friends devastated. No family should have to go through this kind of heartbreak, and we want to come together to support them during this unimaginable time,” it read.
“Savannah’s light will never be forgotten.”