13-year-old Massachusetts teen being remembered, second teen facing charges in crash that killed her

A Massachusetts juvenile is being remembered, while another juvenile is facing charges after a fatal crash Tuesday morning.

According to police, at just before 3:00 a.m., the Marblehead Police Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash in the area of 352 Atlantic Avenue, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker and Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King confirm.

Upon arrival, Marblehead Police and Fire units located a vehicle with extensive damage and a 13-year-old female who had suffered life-threatening injuries. She was pronounced deceased on scene.

A second individual, a 16-year-old juvenile male believed to be the vehicle operator, was treated for his injuries and transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The juvenile male was arrested and charged with operating under the influence.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Savannah Gatchell “had a huge heart and always cared for others. She was the kind of person you could turn to when you were sad or stressed, and she would be there to listen and bring comfort. Even at such a young age, she had so much life, light, and joy within her, and she touched countless lives around her.”

The following is a statement from Chief Dennis King on behalf of the Marblehead Police Department regarding today’s crash.

“The men and women of the Marblehead Police Department are extremely saddened by the loss of a young member of our community. We share our deepest condolences with the victim’s family, loved ones, and anyone who is touched by this great loss. Our thoughts are with you.

“Our priority in the coming days will be to support our community, and most importantly the victim’s family, as they navigate the loss of a daughter, family member, and friend. We respectfully ask the media and community to allow the family the space it needs to properly mourn.

“Lastly, we share our gratitude to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS), State Police Crime Scene Services, and all else who responded for their support and assistance in investigating this incident.”

The crash remains under investigation by the Marblehead Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS), and State Police Crime Scene Services. Given that both parties involved are juveniles, no additional information will be available at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident should contact Marblehead Police Department Detective Sergeant Sean Brady at 781-631-1212.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.