This story has been updated with new information.
Travis Teixeira, an Ashburnham resident and senior at Oakmont Regional High School, died Friday, March 20, as the vehicle he was riding in left Rte. Lane 2 in Leominster reaches Nashua Street.
The 18-year-old will graduate in May and has been accepted into several universities to continue his studies.
“His life ended before it truly began. I will never get better. This should not have happened. Why doesn’t he come home? I need him home,” a post on his mother’s Facebook page read.
Oakmont Area Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Lizotte announced the tragedy in a notice to school families on Sunday, March 22. Lizotte called Teixeira “a beloved member of our school and community” in the notice and said the school library will be used as a gathering place for students who need comfort and support. Grief counselors and therapy dogs will be on campus to assist students as needed.
Supporting messages on Oakmont Street Railway Bridge, Westminster.
In addition to studying, Teixeira participates in the district’s extended day program before and after school. He works at Blueprint New American Bar & Grill in Westminster. The restaurant was closed on March 21 and 22 (Saturday and Sunday) to allow restaurant staff to deal with the loss of their colleagues.
“At Blueprint, our employees are like family to us. Thank you for your understanding. God bless and rest in peace,” a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page read.
Teixeira’s uncle, Sean Quick, set up a GoFundMe account seeking funds to pay for Teixeira’s funeral and provide financial relief to the family as they take time off to grieve and heal.
The original goal was to raise $25,000 by 11 a.m. March 23, and more than 900 people have donated a total of nearly $71,000
State Police, who are investigating the accident, said troopers from Leominster Barracks responded to the scene of a serious crash in which a car fell from an overpass. The vehicle was traveling along Route 2 east and ended up on Nashua Street below.
The Worcester County State Police Detective Team, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Leominster Police and Fire Departments also responded to the scene.
State police have no information on the condition of the passengers or anyone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
This article originally appeared in Gardner News: Ashburnham teen killed in crash on Route 2 in Leominster
