Stoughton Begins To Mourn 'Devastating Occasion'

STOUGHTON, MA — Guidance councilors will be available for most of Sunday and local churches will be open for those mourning the death of three Stoughton High School students.

Eryck Sarblah, 17, of Stoughton, Nick Joyce, 16, of Stoughton, David Bell, 17, of Stoughton, and Christopher Desir, 17, of Brockton, died, according to Plymouth Count District Attorney Tim Cruz's Office. The driver, a 17-year-old who has not been identified, is being treated at Boston Medical Center for critical injuries.

"This is a devastating occasion for any community, any school. Stoughton is a special place, the people are warm, they are incredibly down to the earth decent. They support each other, they step up when necessary," Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi said Sunday morning during a press conference.

All councilors in the school district be at Stoughton High School and available for staff, students, and faculty from noon to 8 p.m. They will continue to be available for as long as they are needed, Rizzi said. Other school districts have offered and will provide councilors and psychologists to help the community cope.

"There are many caring adults here who have the capacity to help you if you are struggling. Please don't let anything prevent you from coming to us because help is available," Rizzi said.

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Grace Church in Avon will be open for a prayer service at 5 p.m. and St. James Catholic will be open at 6 p.m.

School will be open on Monday, but Rizzi said it will not be a normal day.

The three students, members of the track and field team, were scheduled to compete at the Hockomock Championship meet in Canton today. That meet is scheduled to go on as planned, although the Black Knights will be competing with heavy hearts.

Below is the full press conference:

Image: File Photo