13-year-old boy dies after hitting car while on electric dirt bike in Stoneham

A 13-year-old boy is dead after hitting a car while on an electric dirt bike in Stoneham. 

The crash happened on Oak Street around 4:30 p.m. Friday.

A 73-year-old man was driving a Toyota Corolla and began to turn left from Oak Street to Royal Street when a 13-year-old boy on an e-bike ran into the car, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. 

The teen was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died. His name has not been released. There is no information available about whether or not the driver of the vehicle sustained any injuries from the crash or about his identity. 

The Middlesex District Attorney and Stoneham Police are investigating alongside the Massachusetts State Police. No other information is available about the incident.  

Elio Xavier said he was working nearby when he heard the crash and rushed to the teen's aid. 

"Everybody had heart break. It's very sad. He was just 13 years old," he said. 

Friends gather to remember victim

On Saturday, dozens of the victim's friends gathered to lay flowers, notes, and some of his favorite things. They said they are already missing their friend.

"I can't believe he's already gone. He was only 13. Nothing like that should ever happen to a 13-year-old, never in the world," said friend Georgie Travis. 

The kids who gathered said the victim was very happy, respectful, and that they loved hanging out with him.

"He was a great kid. He had so much potential. It's actually tragic that he's gone," said one boy at the memorial. "He loved doing tricks on his bike and hanging out with his friends. He just loved being outside and being active."  

People at the memorial there say they know how busy the road can be and that this isn't the first time someone has been hit by a car.

"This is obviously the worst thing that's happened," one friend said. 

Not a Stoneham student

Stoneham Superintendent Dr. Kristen Defrancisco sent a message to the community saying that the victim was not a student at Stoneham Central Middle School.

"We are devastated by this news and everyone's thoughts are with the family. While not a student at CMS, the community in Stoneham is a tight knit one and we know he was friends with some of our middle school students.

Defrancisco said that counselors will be available at school on Monday for children who may be impacted. She also provided resources for parents on helping their children navigate grief, which can be found here.

Stoneham, Massachusetts, is around 9 miles north of Boston. The town has a population of just below 23,000 people.