TEENS KILLED IN CRASH MOURNED
The three teens killed in the horrific car wreck in Brimfield over the weekend have been identified by police, while the community has already raised more than $20,000 for the boys’ families.
Massachusetts State Police on Monday ID’d the three victims who died. They were: Shane M. Douglas, 18, of West Brookfield; Vincent J. Ardizzoni, 17, of Holland; and Dominick P. Gardner, 17, of Oxford. A fourth victim in the crash who suffered serious injuries is a 17-year-old Brookfield boy.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” State Police spokesman Dave Procopio said.
Troopers from the Sturbridge Barracks just before 1 a.m. on Sunday responded to the single-vehicle crash in Brimfield, in the area of 40 East Brimfield-Holland Road.
The car, a Nissan Sentra, went off the road and rolled over about 40 feet into the woods. The accident remains under investigation, State Police said on Monday.
Two of the teens who died attended Tantasqua Regional High School, the superintendent of schools confirmed on Sunday. One of the victims was a graduate of the Class of 2021 from Quaboag Regional High School, the principal confirmed on Monday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved as well as our students, staff and communities,” Principal Stephen Duff said on Monday.
Counselors were available for students and staff in Quaboag on Monday, as well as at Tantasqua Regional High School.
Distraught friends of the victims continued to visit the crash scene in Brimfield on Monday, as a memorial took shape at the site. People left flowers at the base of the tree where the teens died. The community also held a vigil in Holland Sunday night.
Friends of the families have launched GoFundMe pages to help loved ones following the tragic losses. More than $20,000 had already been raised between two pages as of Monday evening.
“Anything helps truly,” wrote Sophie Law, organizer for one of the GoFundMe pages. “We are going to be so incredibly lost without these boys and I am willing to do anything to help their families get through this. We love you boys. Fly high and everyone please tell your family you love them and drive safe.”
Dominick Gardner loved playing video games, enjoying time with his family and being an uncle, a family friend said on one of the GoFundMe pages.
“He was so polite and kind,” Angela Glynn wrote. “17 is way too young, and his sisters and our families would love to be able to give him a memorial we feel is deserved.”
To visit the GoFundMe pages, search on GoFundMe for “Raise money for Dom, Shane, and Vinnie” and “Alyssa with her brothers services.”