The 17-year-old Bedford High School junior who died in a motor vehicle incident Sunday had been at a party where there may have been underage drinking, police said.
The teenage boy, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after police and emergency responders went to Wallace Road around 8:15 p.m. following a report of a person jumping out of a car near Stagecoach Lane. The circumstances that led to the boy’s death are still unclear though, Bedford Police Chief Daniel Douidi said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
“A preliminary investigation indicates that the student, a 17-year-old male, exited a moving vehicle under unclear circumstances while traveling on Wallace Road,” Douidi said. “The incident appears to have followed a social gathering that may have involved underage drinking. We are and have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the gathering, including any potential violations of the law.”
The name of the driver of the car involved in the incident has not been released.
Douidi said it was with “great sadness” that he confirmed the incident that led to the death of the local teenager, the third teen killed in a Bedford motor vehicle incident over a 49-day stretch. Lauren Souza, a 16-year-old Trinity High School junior from Bedford, was killed in a crash early Easter morning on April 20. On May 28, a Manchester 13-year-old died in a crash at the Kilton Road exit off Route 101.
“The Bedford Police Department is working closely with the School District and community leaders to support students and staff during this difficult time,” Douidi said.
Bedford High Principal Bob Jozokos sent a letter to parents first thing Monday informing them that a student had died and that resources were available for students at the school.
The investigation is ongoing. Police have not said if any arrests have been made or are imminent.
“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and entire school community mourning this tragic loss. We urge everyone, especially parents, to understand the life-threatening risks associated with underage drinking and gatherings that are not properly supervised. No parent should have to face the loss of a child under these circumstances,” Douidi said.
Anyone who may have seen anything on Wallace Road leading up to the incident can call the Bedford Police Department at 603-472-5113.