Falmouth Mourns James Lavin, Owen Higgins

FALMOUTH, MA — Two Falmouth High School star athletes were killed in a crash as they drove home from hockey practice Thursday night. James Lavin and Owen Higgins were both 17 years old.

The crash happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Thomas Landers Road near Geggatt Road. Lavin was driving a dark-color sedan with Higgins in the passenger seat when he veered off the side of the road and slammed through a row of trees. Lavin was pronounced dead at the scene. Higgins was airlifted to a local hospital. On Friday night, police announced Higgins succumbed to his injuries.

"It was a very tragic incident," Falmouth police Chief Edward Dunne said Friday during a news conference. "It's affected the whole community."

Dunne said investigators are still trying to determine why the vehicle left the road. Photos from the scene showed Lavin's car wrapped around a tree.

Dozens of high schools from Cape Cod and beyond offered condolences upon learning of the boys' passing. Lavin and Higgins played football and in December they led Falmouth High School to a state title. Lavin played offensive guard and defense end; Higgins played defensive tackle and tight end. The pair grew up together and were best friends.

"He was a very fun-loving, smart, caring, and funny young man," Lavin's obituary reads. "His aspirations were to continue playing football and have a career in business."

Falmouth High School was scheduled to be closed Friday for winter recess but school officials opened it and had grief counselors available for students.

"We know that this unfortunate event affects the entire community," Superintendent Nancy Taylor said in a statement Friday. "The most important thing we can do for our children is be supportive."

Visiting hours for Lavin will be held Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Falmouth. The funeral is Tuesday at St. Patrick Church in Falmouth and the burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

A community fundraiser has been set up to pay for Lavin's funeral expenses. Leftover money will go to a scholarship in his name. The fundraiser total was up to $30,000 in 18 hours.

A fundraiser was also established for Higgins, who played baseball in addition to football and hockey.

"Owen was a light, a joy and had an unparalleled zest for life," reads a memorial on the fundraiser, which raised nearly $22,000 in six hours. The money also will cover his funeral expenses, with leftover funds going to a scholarship.

• James Lavin Fundraiser
• Owen Higgins Fundraiser

The New England Patriots issued this statement:

"Sending condolences to the families, friends and the Falmouth community who are mourning the tragic losses of James Lavin and Owen Higgins.

Top photo: James Lavin (left) and Owen Higgins. (Credit: Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home and the Owen Higgins memorial fundraiser)

This story was first published December 22, 2016