Salem School Officials Collecting Money For the Family Of John Conway

SALEM, NH — Salem School officials on Saturday sent a letter to the community in which they paid tribute to Fisk Elementary School third-grader John Conway, who passed away Tuesday from injuries sustained in an accident.

Officials also announced they are accepting donations for Conway's family and for an education charity in Conway's name. Conway was 8 years old.

"John was a wonderful young man who brightened every room that he entered during his short life. All of us will cherish the time that we spent with him at Fisk School," said the letter from Maura Palmer, superintendent of Salem School District, and George Murray, principal of Fisk Elementary School.

In the letter, Palmer and Murray also acknowledged the support the school community and all of Salem have provided during a difficult past few days.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, our Fisk community for the support that you've provided us," the letter said. "The love in this community is remarkable and our students, staff and families needed all of it. Many life lessons were learned this week, mainly about how fragile life can be. Thank you for all of your support. We are forever grateful."

The letter also stated: "On behalf of our students, teachers, and families, we want to express our gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of support from the Salem community."

According to the letter, Fisk School is accepting donations in Conway's memory to help defray funeral costs and provide financial assistance to his family.

Funds also will help support a Dollars for Scholars effort in Conway's name.

Donations can be delivered in person to Fisk School or mailed to the school at:

Fisk Elementary School
C/O The John Conway Fund
14 Main Street
Salem, NH 03079

Checks should be made payable to Fisk School.

According to reports, Conway died three days after being struck by a car in front of his home on Oct. 29.

He initially was airlifted to Lawrence General Hospital, and later was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Earlier in the week, Salem police said the circumstances surrounding the crash remained part of an active investigation. Police said the driver of the vehicle that struck Conway has been cooperating with the investigation.