18-year-old dies in crash on Marblehead causeway

Marblehead’s James Galante returns a punt past Lynn Classical’s Marquese Avery on his way to a touchdown during their football game at the Manning Bowl in Lynn on Sept. 17, 2021.Winslow Townson for The Boston Globe

A teenage boy died after he was involved in a car crash on the causeway in Marblehead early Friday morning, officials said.

James Galante, 18, a senior at Marblehead High School, died of his injuries Friday afternoon, according to statements released by police and school officials.

Police and firefighters were called to the causeway about 3 a.m. for a reported crash and found a vehicle on the harbor side of the road with extensive damage, the Marblehead Police Department said in a statement on Facebook.

Galante, who was alone inside the vehicle, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries, police said.

The causeway, also known as Ocean Avenue, leads to Marblehead Neck, an exclusive waterfront neighborhood. Galante was a member of the Marblehead High School football team that won the Division 3 Super Bowl title last fall.

Jubilant Marblehead head coach Jim Rudloff embrace dJames Galante at the end of the game after their Division 3 Super Bowl win on Dec. 2, 2021 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Police Chief Dennis King offered his condolences to Galante’s family in the statement.

“This will surely have a great impact on our tightknit community and we are working closely with the Marblehead School District to ensure they will be supported in the coming days and weeks.,” King said.

Marblehead Public Schools’ Superintendent John Buckey said in a statement that it was a “tragic day” and also offered his “deepest condolences” to Galante’s family and friends.

“We were notified today that a senior at Marblehead High School was involved early this morning in a serious motor vehicle accident,” Buckey said. “After school was dismissed, the Marblehead Police Department shared the devastating news that the student, James Galante, did not survive the crash.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to James’ family and friends and to our entire MPS community,” Buckey said. “I have no doubt that our Marblehead community will come together to support the Galante family through their unimaginable grief.”

He also said that counselors will be available at the high school this evening until 7:30, as well as tomorrow and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The crash is under investigation by Marblehead police and the State Police crash reconstruction team. Anyone with information is asked to call Marblehead Police Detective Sergeant Sean Brady at 781-631-1212.