Newton Student Dies In Sturbridge Crash

NEWTON, MA — A crash in Sturbridge left a Newton South High School student dead Monday night, police said.

"There are no words that can express the sadness and sorrow of losing someone so young," Newton South High School Principal Mark Aronson in an email to families.

Around 10:15 p.m. Monday, Zachary Mandel, a 16-year-old junior, was driving a 2014 Subaru Forester home from a friend's house in Connecticut along on Interstate 84 eastbound when he veered to the right, hit a guardrail and veered back across three lanes and off the road into an embankment and several trees, according to state police.

He was the only person in the car and no other cars were involved. It’s not yet clear what caused the crash.

"I know you will join me in keeping a good thought for Zachary’s family and friends during this indescribable time," Aronson said Tuesday.

The principal said the school was creating space for the school community to process the loss, suggested students speak with their dean or guidance councilors, and shared resources for families who wanted to talk about the loss at home with their children.

"We want you to know that you are not alone," said Aronson. "Each of us will react to Zachary’s passing in our own way, and in our own time. It is important that we give ourselves and others permission and opportunity to express our feelings in a healthy and meaningful manner."

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