8-Year-Old Salem Boy Dies After Being Hit By A Car On Saturday

SALEM, NH — An 8-year-old boy from Salem died Tuesday after being struck by a car in front of his home on Saturday, Salem School District officials and the Salem Police Department have confirmed.

John Conway, a third-grader at Fisk Elementary School, passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital, the Salem PD said. Conway was taken to the Boston hospital after initially being airlifted to Lawrence General Hospital on Saturday night.

Maura Palmer, Salem School District superintendent, sent out a letter Tuesday informing the school community of Conway's passing.

"It is with sadness that we inform you about a loss to our school community," Palmer wrote. "This afternoon, a Fisk third-grade student, John Conway, lost his life after being struck by a car in front of his home this past weekend. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school district, especially our students."

Palmer added: "Please keep John's family in your thoughts and prayers."

Palmer said that each school in Salem has a Crisis Intervention Team that is trained to help with the needs of students, parents and school personnel during difficult situations. School counselors also are available for students who may need extra help dealing with the tragedy.

The superintendent also sent information and tips that could be useful to parents in helping their children at home.

Salem PD Captain Jason Smith said Wednesday that the crash and the circumstances that led to Conway being in the roadway remain part of an active investigation. The department said its Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team (CAR) is investigating the crash.

According to police reports, the crash occurred at approximately 9:17 p.m. on Saturday on Main Street near Bridge Street.

The Salem PD responded to the area after receiving a report of a boy being struck by a vehicle. An officer then called the Salem Fire Department after the boy was found unresponsive, according to authorities.

The Salem PD has not released the name of the driver who hit the boy, but said the driver was cooperating with the investigation.

The driver, according to police reports, went to police headquarters Saturday to complete paperwork and voluntarily submit to a blood draw used to check for alcohol and drugs.

The Salem PD said anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Officer Nicholas Manent with the CAR Team, who has been assigned to lead the investigation. Manent can be contacted at 603-893-1911.