Marblehead, Massachusetts, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A tragic single-vehicle crash occurred in Marblehead, Massachusetts, claiming the life of a 13-year-old girl early Tuesday morning. The driver, a 16-year-old boy, was arrested for operating under the influence. Emergency responders found the juvenile girl with life-threatening injuries, and despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and local schools are providing grief support to the community impacted by this devastating incident.
Marblehead, Massachusetts — A 13-year-old girl was killed and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence after a single-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning on Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead.
Key facts
The crash occurred shortly before 3 a.m. near 352 Atlantic Avenue. First responders found a vehicle with extensive damage and a juvenile female suffering from life-threatening injuries; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The juvenile male believed to be the driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment and subsequently arrested on an operating under the influence (OUI) charge. Because both people involved are juveniles, their names have not been released.
Traffic and scene response
Marblehead police rerouted traffic beginning at approximately 6 a.m., blocking outbound traffic at Community Road and inbound traffic from Swampscott at Clifton Avenue. The crash scene showed damage to a stone wall and visible skid marks leading to the wall. The roadway was closed for several hours while police and state investigators processed the scene; the road reopened around 7:30 a.m.
Investigation status and public request
The crash is being investigated by Marblehead police with assistance from state police. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Marblehead Police Detective Sgt. Sean Brady at 781-631-1212. Officials extended condolences to the families involved and asked for privacy as they cope with the loss.
Local school response and support
The girl who died was an eighth-grader in the Marblehead Public Schools district, according to the superintendent. The district has described the death as a devastating loss to the community and arranged grief support for students and families. Grief counselors will be available at Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to provide assistance.
What is known about charges and juvenile privacy
The arrested driver faces a charge of operating under the influence. As both individuals involved are juveniles, the release of their identities is restricted. The ongoing investigation will determine any additional charges or legal actions. Processing of the crash scene included documenting vehicle damage, skid marks, and impact to the stone wall adjacent to the roadway.
Next steps in the investigation
Investigators will continue to examine physical evidence from the scene and review any available video, witness accounts and medical information as part of the criminal and traffic investigations. Marblehead police and state police have asked members of the public who may have seen the vehicle before the crash or who may have dashcam or other recordings of Atlantic Avenue in the early morning hours to come forward with information.
Community impact and resources
Officials are coordinating with the school district to provide counseling and support for students, staff and families affected by the incident. The district has deployed grief counselors at two school locations for multiple days to respond to student and family needs. Local authorities emphasized privacy for the families during the investigation and immediate aftermath.
How to contact authorities with information
Anyone with information is asked to contact Marblehead Police Detective Sgt. Sean Brady at 781-631-1212. Providing tips or evidence such as dashcam footage can assist investigators in reconstructing the events that led to the crash.
Background
Single-vehicle crashes that involve young drivers and juveniles raise both criminal and public-safety concerns, prompting coordinated investigations by local and state law enforcement. When minors are involved, privacy protections limit public naming; criminal charges such as OUI proceed through juvenile or criminal court processes depending on jurisdictional procedures and investigative findings. Local school districts commonly offer counseling after traumatic events affecting students and staff, and law enforcement often requests public assistance to clarify crash circumstances.
FAQ
What happened?
A single-vehicle crash occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead. A 13-year-old girl died at the scene and a 16-year-old boy, believed to be the driver, was treated at a hospital and arrested for operating under the influence.
Where did the crash occur and when?
The crash occurred near 352 Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead, Massachusetts, shortly before 3 a.m. on Tuesday.
Have the victims been identified?
No. Both individuals involved are juveniles, and their names have not been released due to privacy protections.
Who is handling the investigation?
The Marblehead Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from state police. The public is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Sean Brady with any information.
How can people provide information?
Anyone with information, including dashcam footage or witness accounts, should contact Marblehead Police Detective Sgt. Sean Brady at 781-631-1212.
What support is available for students and families?
Grief counselors will be available at Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to support students and families.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near 352 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, Massachusetts |
| Time of crash | Shortly before 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday |
| Victims | 13-year-old female (deceased), 16-year-old male (injured, arrested) |
| Charge | Operating under the influence (OUI) — driver arrested |
| Investigating agencies | Marblehead Police Department and state police |
| Contact for tips | Detective Sgt. Sean Brady — 781-631-1212 |
| School support | Grief counselors at Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Wed–Fri |
| Road status | Closed for several hours for investigation; reopened around 7:30 a.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Car Accident
- Boston 25 News
- Google Search: Marblehead crash
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- Salem News
- Google News: Teen accident Marblehead
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