Marblehead, Massachusetts, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A devastating car accident in Marblehead, Massachusetts, resulted in the death of 13-year-old Savannah Gatchell. The crash occurred early Tuesday morning when a 16-year-old boy, believed to be driving under the influence, lost control of the vehicle. Savannah was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver was treated for injuries and subsequently charged with operating under the influence. The community is mourning the loss and has set up a memorial at the crash site as investigations continue.
Marblehead — A 13-year-old girl, identified as Savannah Gatchell, was killed in an early-morning car crash on Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead, Massachusetts, shortly before 3 a.m. on Tuesday. A 16-year-old boy believed to be the driver was charged with operating under the influence after treatment for injuries at a local hospital.
What happened
The collision occurred in the area of 352 Atlantic Avenue. Responding officers found Savannah with life-threatening injuries and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle involved sustained extensive damage. The teenage driver received medical treatment at a nearby hospital and was subsequently arrested and charged with operating under the influence. Because the individuals involved are juveniles, additional identifying details about the driver have not been released.
Ongoing response and investigation
The crash is being investigated by the Marblehead Police Department, the Essex District Attorney’s Office, and Massachusetts State Police. Traffic on Atlantic Avenue was rerouted in the aftermath while investigators processed the scene. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Marblehead Police Detective Sergeant Sean Brady at 781-631-1212.
Community impact and family statements
Family members and friends described Savannah as a loving sister and a kind daughter who was about to begin eighth grade at Marblehead Veterans Middle School. Relatives and community members set up a memorial at the crash site. Marblehead Public Schools leadership described the death as a significant loss for the community and arranged on-site support for students and families.
Support for students and the public
Grief counselors will be available this week at Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School to assist students, families, and staff. The Marblehead Police Chief extended condolences to the family and emphasized departmental support for the community during the investigation.
Key facts (at a glance)
- Victim: 13-year-old Savannah Gatchell, deceased at scene
- Date/time: Early Tuesday, shortly before 3 a.m.
- Location: 352 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead
- Driver: 16-year-old male, treated at hospital, charged with DUI
- Vehicle condition: Extensive damage reported
- Investigation: Marblehead Police, Essex DA’s Office, Massachusetts State Police
- Community support: Grief counseling at Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School
- Contact for tips: Detective Sergeant Sean Brady — 781-631-1212
Background context
The crash adds to broader concerns about juvenile road safety and driving under the influence. Local authorities routinely investigate serious collisions with multi-agency teams when fatalities occur or when potential criminal charges are involved. In this case, the involvement of juvenile parties has led to limitations on some public details, consistent with laws and policies that restrict identification and disclosure for minors.
Marblehead school officials coordinated support resources for students following the incident, and the community response included a roadside memorial established by family and friends. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading to the collision, including vehicle condition, road conditions, possible impairment, and any witness accounts.
Next steps in the investigation
Officials will continue gathering evidence, reviewing any available camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. The Essex District Attorney’s Office will be involved in any charging decisions and related juvenile proceedings. Further information will be released as permitted under juvenile privacy restrictions and as the investigation proceeds.
How to provide information
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Marblehead Police Detective Sergeant Sean Brady at 781-631-1212. Callers may be asked to provide location and time details, descriptions of vehicles or occupants, and any other observations that could aid the investigation.
Memorial and community actions
Friends and family have organized a memorial at the crash site on Atlantic Avenue. Community leaders encouraged those affected to use available school and municipal grief resources. Officials reiterated the department’s intent to support families and community members while investigating the circumstances of the collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the crash?
When and where did the crash occur?
Who is investigating the collision?
Where can students and families get support?
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Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Shortly before 3 a.m., Tuesday |
| Location | 352 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA |
| Fatality | 13-year-old Savannah Gatchell (pronounced dead at scene) |
| Driver | 16-year-old male, treated at hospital, charged with operating under the influence |
| Investigating agencies | Marblehead Police, Essex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police |
| Community support | Grief counselors at Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School this week |
| How to report tips | Detective Sergeant Sean Brady — 781-631-1212 |
| Traffic | Atlantic Avenue traffic was rerouted during the investigation |
| Memorial | Family and friends established a memorial at the crash site |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teen Arrested After Fatal Crash in Marblehead
Teen Arrested After Fatal Crash in Marblehead
Tragic Crash Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Girl in Marblehead
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Marblehead, Massachusetts
- CBS News
- Google Search: Marblehead crash
- Boston 25 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teen Driving Accidents
- Fall River Reporter
- Google News: Savannah Gatchell
- NBC Boston Traffic Update
- Google Scholar: Juvenile Road Safety
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