Superintendent of Schools Jeff Szymaniak announced with deep regret on Wednesday, May 31 that a Whitman-Hanson Regional High School student died Tuesday night.
The student has since been identified as Ava Patete,16, a goalkeeper for the W-H girls’ Soccer team from East Bridgewater. Funeral plans by Chapman Funerals and Cremation, 98 Bedford St., Bridgewater, have been anounced for Saturday, June 17. {See obituary, opposite].
The incident is still under investigation.
A person described as a juvenile female was killed by a train Tuesday night, May 30, according to a statement released by Whitman Police and Fire Departments.
MBTA Transit Police notified Whitman Police at about 8:30 p.m. that the crash occurred in Whitman involving a southbound train, which possibly struck a pedestrian on the tracks.
Whitman Police and Fire responded to the scene, where the victim was pronounced deceased.
“We are all tremendously saddened to hear of this tragic loss,” Szymaniak said in a statement issued through John Guilfoil Public Relations, which also handled press releases on the incident from police and fire officials. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the students and all those who knew them. We also extend our condolences to our friends at East Bridgewater High School, who were also affected by this tragedy.”
High School Principal Dr. Christopher Jones asked for a moment of silence in memory of the student during the DFS Scholarship Night ceremonies on Wednesday, May 31.
“Before we start the ceremony to celebrate the success of the students that are sitting with us, as many of you know, our community suffered a tragedy this past evening,” he said. “I ask, out of respect for the family that you keep them in your thoughts, prayers and wishes as they go through this difficult time.”
As he spoke, students who knew the girl killed Tuesday night were gathered, sitting around a signal pole at the South Avenue MBTA crossing, in remembrance of their friend. Over the next several hours, memorial offerings of flowers, signs reading “Forever our Ava” and other sentiments, balloons and a teddy bear had been left.
Whitman Police Chief Timothy Hanlon and Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Clancy also extended their condolences to the family.
Grief counselors were available May 31, and will remain available in the coming weeks to assist students and staff as the school district mourns and for anyone needing their services.
Szymaniak said the district encourages students and the school community to talk to counselors, faculty and parents, as this tragedy is sure to raise emotions, concerns and questions for us all.
Additional resources for students and families relating to gried and loss can be found at cdc.gov/howrightnow/resources/coping-with-grief, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, and nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/grief-and-loss-resources-educators-and-students, courtesy of the National Education Association.
Mass. State Police detectives, MBTA Transit Police, Hanson Police, East Bridgewater Police and the Whitman Department of Public Works also responded to the scene.
The crash is under investigation by Mass. State Police detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office and MBTA Transit Police.