PEABODY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A teenager was killed Sunday night when the car he was in hit a utility pole.
Police say the crash happened just around 9:30 p.m. on Forest Street.
When officers arrived, they say 17-year-old Alex Vitale was trapped behind the wheel with serious visible injuries. Vitale was extracted from the vehicle and taken to Lahey North Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Vitale was a senior at Malden Catholic High School. He is remembered at the school for his work in campus ministry, his volunteer work helping challenged children learn to swim, and for his strong academics.
"It's a tremendous loss, not just for 17 and 18 year olds, but for all of us," said Malden Catholic High School headmaster Thomas Doherty. "I had teachers in tears when we announced this. It's just that hard."
The school issued the following statement Monday:
"Malden Catholic mourns the loss of senior Alexander Vitale, who died early Monday morning in a motor vehicle accident. Alex was an honors student who actively enjoyed student life, including community service, working with the handicapped and competing on swim team. He will be greatly missed.
We gathered our seniors together this morning to pray and to inform them of this very sad news. We have grief counselors available throughout the day for all students, faculty and staff. All of us at Malden Catholic are sensitive to the needs of our students on this very difficult day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vitale family."
Grief counselors were on hand for students Monday and will be available as long as needed.
The accident remains under investigation, and Peabody police are still trying to figure out what caused it. The accident happened on straight stretch of road, and there are no skidmarks in the road.
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