by Authorities said on Wednesday that a 16-year-old teenager who was charged with driving under the influence in a Marblehead collision that claimed the life of his 13-year-old companion is now being charged with motor vehicle homicide.
According to a press release from the Essex County District Attorney’s office, the 16-year-old was charged with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, receiving a stolen vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol, and two civil motor vehicle infractions when he was arraigned in Lynn Juvenile Court on Wednesday.
Around 2:51 a.m. on Tuesday, Marblehead police arrived at the scene of the collision near 352 Atlantic Ave. According to investigators, the 13-year-old passenger, later identified as Savanah Gatchell of Marblehead, was discovered with life-threatening injuries after first responders discovered the vehicle heavily damaged.
The 16-year-old driver was sent to a nearby medical facility. On Tuesday, he was first taken into custody and accused of operating under the influence.
Drivers between the ages of 16 and a half and 18 are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle between 12:30 and 5 a.m., according to Massachusetts State Law. For the first six months after obtaining a license, junior operators are likewise prohibited by law from transporting minors, unless the passenger is a sibling.
In order to cover Gatchell’s funeral costs, a GoFundMe site has been created. Gatchell was scheduled to begin eighth grade the following week.
According to the GoFundMe page, she had a big heart and constantly thought about other people. She was the type of person you could confide in and who would be there to listen and offer consolation when you were feeling down or anxious. She touched countless individuals around her and had so much life, light, and joy in her even at such a young age.
The DA’s office announced Wednesday that the 16-year-old’s identity and other case details would not be made public due to his status as a juvenile.
The crash is still being investigated.
At Boston.com, Dialynn Dwyer works as an editor and reporter, covering local and breaking news in Boston and New England.
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