Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi
232 Pearl St.,
Stoughton, MA 02072
For Immediate Release
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Statement of Stoughton Public Schools Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi
STOUGHTON — Superintendent of Schools Marguerite Rizzi issues the following statement to members of the community:
“It is with an unspeakably heavy heart that I report to you that four students at Stoughton High School have been killed and a fifth student was critically injured in a motor vehicle crash in East Bridgewater on Saturday afternoon.
“The four students who were killed have been identified as Christopher Desir, 17, of Brockton, Eric Sarblah, 17, of Stoughton, Nick Joyce, 16, of Stoughton, and David Bell, 17, of Stoughton. A fifth student, the 17-year-old driver of the vehicle, is not being identified at this time.
“We have experienced a tragedy in our community. There are no words to articulate the impact of this loss.
“To our students, I will say this: This is a shock and a trauma for our entire community. It will not make sense because it does not make sense. For students, especially those who know the classmates involved in the crash, you will likely feel confused, angry, and sad, and sometimes all at the same time. You are not alone in your grief and you should not feel alone. Know that the adults in our community will feel the same way.
“We have a tremendous group of counselors at the Stoughton Public Schools, and we will also have grief counselors and professionals on hand, drawing resources from around the region, for as long as they are needed. I encourage everyone to find the strength to take advantage of these resources.
“The doors of Stoughton High School will be open at noon on Sunday for anyone, employee or student. Monday will be a very different day at school for our students, faculty, and staff. The focus will be on those we have lost, on ourselves and on one another.
“I have been in constant contact with Principal Juliette Miller. The Stoughton Public Schools Crisis Team has convened and will meet on Sunday. We will do our best to communicate consistently with the community.
“The Stoughton Public Schools are a safe space for our community members. No members of the news media will be allowed on any school grounds or school property.
“As always anyone with questions or concerns can reach out to me directly at 781-344-4000 ext.1232.”
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