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Boy, 16, charged with motor vehicle homicide in crash that killed 13-year-old girl from Marblehead
Authorities allege the teenager was driving under the influence in the crash that claimed the life of Savanah Gatchell.
A 16-year-old boy, accused of driving under the influence in a Marblehead crash that killed his 13-year-old passenger, is now facing a charge of motor vehicle homicide, authorities announced Wednesday.
The 16-year-old was arraigned Wednesday in Lynn Juvenile Court on charges of motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation; receiving a stolen motor vehicle; and operating under the influence of liquor; as well as two civil motor vehicle infractions, the Essex County District Attorney’s office said in press release.
Marblehead police responded to the crash around 2:51 a.m. Tuesday in the area of 352 Atlantic Ave. First responders found the vehicle with extensive damage, and the 13-year-old passenger, later identified as Savanah Gatchell of Marblehead, was found with life-threatening injuries, which she later succumbed to, authorities said.
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The 16-year-old driver was taken to a local hospital. He was initially arrested Tuesday and charged with operating under the influence.
Under Massachusetts State Law, drivers between the ages of 16-and-a-half and 18 years old are prohibited from driving between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. The law also prohibits junior operators from having underage passengers for the first six months they have a license, unless the passenger is a sibling.
A GoFundMe page has been started to support funeral expenses for Gatchell, who was set to start eighth grade next week.
“She had a huge heart and always cared for others,” the GoFundMe page says. “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. Even at such a young age, she had so much life, light, and joy within her, and she touched countless lives around her.”
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Because he is a juvenile, the 16-year-old’s name and additional information about the case will not be released, the DA’s office said Wednesday.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
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