Victim Identified In Fatal West Suffield Collision [UPDATED]

SUFFIELD, CT — A head-on collision between a car and a dirt bike on Copper Hill Road late Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of the dirt bike operator, according to Suffield police.

Around 5:35 p.m., police responded to the area of Copper Hill Road at Woods Hollow Road upon a report of a serious injury motor vehicle collision. Initial investigation determined a dirt bike was traveling south on Copper Hill approaching Woods Hollow, and a sedan was traveling northbound on Copper Hill approaching Woods Hollow, when the two vehicles collided head -on in the southbound lane, Capt. Robert Palmer said.

Late Monday afternoon, police identified the victim as Carter Jones, a freshman at Suffield High School.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The North Central Municipal Accident
Reconstruction Squad (MCMARS) assumed the investigation, Palmer said.

Suffield High School principal Anthony Hibbert sent a message to the school community around 9 p.m. Sunday, writing, "It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of 0ur Suffield students who was in a serious motor vehicle accident this evening."

Hibbert said services of a crisis team, as well as school counselors, would be available to students and staff beginning early Monday morning.

Superintendent of Schools Matt Dunbar released the following statement Monday afternoon:

"Dear Suffield Families,

We are heartbroken at the loss of Suffield High School ninth grader Carter Jones. He died in an accident Sunday evening. Carter loved the outdoors, was well-liked, and will be greatly missed. Above all, our thoughts are with his family and friends, especially those closest to him.

"As we work to process this tragedy as a school community, we want everyone to be aware of services that are available for students and staff. Our school counselors, social workers, school psychologists and administrators at the high school and middle school have been meeting with students and staff to offer counseling. I am grateful for the efforts of these professionals.

"Support services and counseling will be available for as long as our school community needs them. If you have any concerns, or feel that your child is in need of additional support at any of our four schools, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school principal.

"The death of a student is one of the saddest things a school community can face. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and grief has no timeline. Suffield is a strong and caring community. Thank you for looking out for one another in this difficult time."

Matt Dunbar

Superintendent of Schools