FALMOUTH, Mass. — The single-car crash happened around 6:30 p.m. on Thomas Landers Road near Sam Turner Road Thursday. The two victims were Falmouth High School hockey players who had just left practice.
The 17-year-old driver, James Lavin, died at the scene. The passenger, 17-year-old Owen Higgins, was taken to a Rhode Island hospital by medical helicopter with life-threatening injuries. He passed away Friday afternoon.
Friday marked the first day of holiday break for students, but the school remained open with grief counselors on hand. Owen and James were best friends, said Hockey Coach Paul Moore Friday during a news conference.
Emotional scene at @FalmouthHigh where people are gathering after last night's deadly crash. Their coach just gave emotional talk pic.twitter.com/zg0g79gYWC
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) December 23, 2016
"Best friends, connected at the hip…when they say they took the good young, these were two good ones,” he said.
Owen was recently voted captain of the hockey team and James was one of their emotional leaders, said Moore.
“Two remarkable young men, who put their footprint of this community – not just in the classroom, not just on the ice arena, and not just on the football field,” said Moore.
Coach at Falmouth High: "Good young men" both aspired to attend college next year https://t.co/nRUWjsmHgv
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) December 23, 2016
Both boys also played for the varsity football team and had helped the team win the state championship this year.
"A lot of people loved those two kids like I did,” said Football Coach Derek Almeida.
The superintendent of Falmouth Public Schools said the school remained open so that the students "could come and have people to talk to who know them and understand them."
Police said what caused the crash is still under investigation.
Two young lives in Falmouth have been lost, right before the holidays. Rest in Peace to these best friends: fox25.com/2i0edvj
Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, December 23, 2016
Other HS hockey teams tweeted their support for members of the Falmouth Community.
The Bruins offer their thoughts and condolences to the Falmouth High School hockey team & the Falmouth community during this difficult time.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 23, 2016
Sending thoughts and prayers tonight to the Falmouth community, high school hockey team and all those effected by tonight's tragic accident.
— North Hockey 16-17 (@northpuck16) December 23, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Falmouth families, team and community. God Bless, stay strong.
— Hanover Hockey (@HHSPUCK) December 23, 2016
Thoughts and prayers out to the Falmouth community, hockey team and families. Stay strong everyone.
— Scituate Boys Hockey (@ScituateHockey) December 23, 2016
Praying for the 2 members of the Falmouth HS hockey team involved in a serious car accident tonight.The entire community is in our thoughts
— BC High Hockey (@BCH_HOCKEY) December 23, 2016
Thoughts and prayers with Falmouth Boys Hockey team and their families. Please keep them in mind during such a tragic time #hockeyfamily
— Waltham High Hockey (@walthamhockey1) December 23, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Falmouth Hockey family and entire Falmouth community.
— Sandwich Hockey (@SandwichHockey) December 23, 2016
Thoughts and prayers out to Falmouth hockey and Falmouth High School.
— Mashpee Athletics (@MashpeeAthletic) December 23, 2016
Prayers going out to the Falmouth boys hockey team. #capestrong
— Barnstable Hockey (@Raiderspuck1) December 23, 2016
Prayers go out to the Falmouth Hockey team, our thoughts are with you, and the whole town of Falmouth. @FHSClippers
— Bourne Hockey (@CanalmenHockey) December 23, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Falmouth hockey team and their families.
— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) December 23, 2016
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