MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — A quiet Connecticut town is mourning the loss of a recent high school graduate after a fatal crash early Saturday morning.
David Young, 18, died at Waterbury Hospital after the motor scooter he was riding collided with a pickup truck. Middlebury police said the crash happened around 12:31 a.m. near 480 Middlebury Road, close to a shopping plaza that includes a Dunkin’ Donuts.
Young suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision and was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. He did not survive, passing away later that same day. The driver of the pickup truck was not hurt and stayed at the scene. Officials say the driver is cooperating fully as investigators work to determine what led to the crash.
The Naugatuck Valley Collision Investigation Team has taken over the case and is conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Middlebury Road was shut down for a period of time so crews could examine the scene, but it has since reopened to traffic.
Community and School Officials Respond With Grief and Support
Young had just finished his time at Pomperaug High School, and Principal Paul Jones shared the news with students and families in a statement, describing him as someone who brought humor and brightness into the lives of those around him. Jones said the school has been in touch with Young’s family and plans to continue offering support in the days ahead.
To help students process the loss, the school library stayed open for part of the day Saturday so grieving classmates and friends could gather. Jones also pointed people toward crisis support lines, encouraging anyone struggling with the news to call 988 or 211 for help.
Middlebury’s First Selectwoman, Jennifer Mahr, also addressed the tragedy, noting that she is the mother of a recent Pomperaug graduate herself. She asked residents to be mindful of the family’s need for space and time as the community comes together to support them, rather than pushing forward at a pace that isn’t their own.
As of Saturday evening, police had not released additional details about what caused the crash, and the investigation remains active. Authorities say updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
The crash adds to a difficult stretch for the Middlebury area, which has also seen other serious incidents on local roads in recent memory. For now, neighbors, classmates and town leaders say their focus is on supporting Young’s family through an unimaginable loss.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as investigators continue their work.
