Late summer is an exciting time for children and teenagers. The summer is winding down, and a new school year is beginning. School-aged children are likely excited for what the new semester has to offer. Unfortunately for one community in Connecticut, local high school students have to learn how to cope with the death of one of their classmates as a result of a fatal car accident.

The accident occurred in the morning in early September. The 15-year-old high school student was a passenger in a sedan. According to police reports, the driver of the sedan crossed the center line, causing a collision with an oncoming vehicle. The teenager was transported to an area hospital, but died soon afterwards.

In addition to the death of the teenager, two other people were seriously injured. The driver of the first sedan suffered facial injuries, while the driver of the second vehicle injured his back. Although authorities are still investigating the accident, one officer speculates that one factor could have been speed. No criminal charges have been filed at this time.

Instead of starting with this school year with excitement over homecoming and upcoming sports events, this Connecticut high school is starting the year with a crisis team to help students cope with their grief over a fatal car accident. In addition to their grief, the parents of this young man are likely wondering how they will cover the unexpected costs of a funeral and medical expenses. They do have the option of filing a civil case. If a court agrees that the teenager’s death was caused by negligence, they could receive financial compensation to help cover their related expenses.

Source: The New Haven Register, Hamden police identify teen killed in ‘horrific’ crash, Michael Bellmore, Sept. 5, 2013