MEDWAY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Medway teen who was killed in a car accident in Franklin Friday night was remembered by her friends as a happy, popular girl and an impressive athlete.
Madeline “Maddie” Lamson, 17, a senior at Medway High School, veered off Lincoln St., in Franklin, around 11:30 p.m., and crashed into a tree, before her car burst into flames, police and fire officials said. Neighbors told FOX25 they heard the crash and ran to help the girl, but the flames kept them from reaching her. Medics pronounced Maddie dead at the scene.
A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles grew on Lincoln St., throughout the day Saturday, as classmates paid their respects.
“It wasn't real. It didn't feel real, because I saw her yesterday,” classmate Lea Guarino said of learning about the accident. “She was walking with me to my car yesterday, but I know I just have to remember her as the happy, upbeat, funny girl she was.”
No skid marks are visible on the road, and no other vehicles were involved. Investigators are still looking into what caused the accident.
Franklin Fire Chief Gary B. McCarraher said in a statement Saturday the incident is a “very tragic accident, made all the more difficult by the valiant rescue efforts put in by civilians and first responders.”
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this difficult time,” Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian added in the joint statement.
Classmate Vanessa Lauber said Maddie was “one of the most popular girls” at Medway High.
“Everyone knew her, and everyone got a kick out of her,” Lauber said. “She was always making everyone laugh.”
Grief counselors provided services for students at the high school on Saturday. Counselors will also be available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.