Marblehead 8th-Grade Girl Crash Victim ID'd, Teen Driver Charged With Homicide

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The 13-year-old Marblehead girl killed in an early morning car crash on Tuesday was identified as the 16-year-old driver was in Lynn Juvenile Court facing vehicular homicide, stolen car and operating under the influence charges on Wednesday.

The Essex County District Attorney's Office identified the victim as Savanah Gatchell, a Veterans Middle School eighth-grader.

• 'Devastating Loss To Our Community': Marblehead Mourns 8th-Grade Girl Killed In Car Crash
• Marblehead Crash Kills 13-Year-Old Girl, Teen Boy Facing Charges

The teen driver, who was not identified because he is a juvenile, was taken to the hospital with injuries and later charged in the girl's death.

The Essex DA's Office said the boy was charged with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, receiving a stolen motor vehicle and OUI, as well as two civil motor vehicle infractions.

The fatal single-car crash happened shortly before 3 a.m. on Atlantic Avenue.

The Essex DA's Office said the crash remains under investigation from Marblehead police and State Police.

Anyone with information related to this incident should contact Marblehead Police Department Detective Sergeant Sean Brady at 781-631-1212.

Counselors were at both Marblehead High School and Veterans Middle School on Wednesday for those in need. Superintendent John Robidoux said they will be available at both schools through the end of the week and next week for the first days of the new school year.

Marblehead police issued a statement on Tuesday night, sharing their "deepest condolences with the victim's family, loved ones, and anyone who is touched by this great loss."

"Our priority in the coming days will be to support our community, and most importantly the victim's family, as they navigate the loss of a daughter, family member, and friend," Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King said. "We respectfully ask the media and community to allow the family the space it needs to properly mourn."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)