A 16-year-old boy was arraigned in Lynn Juvenile Court Wednesday on motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation and other charges in the crash that killed 13-year-old Savanah Gatchell of Marblehead early Tuesday morning.

The boy, who the District Attorney’s Office said it would not identify because he is a minor, is also charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, operating under the influence of liquor and two civil motor vehicle infractions.

Savanah Gatchell was 13 years old.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:51 a.m. Tuesday morning in the area of 352 Atlantic Ave. There is a makeshift memorial at the scene with flowers, candles and stuffed animals.

A candlelight vigil is planned for Gatchell early this Sunday evening at Devereux Beach. She was set to start eighth grade next week.

Savanah “was very loving and kind, and saw the best in everybody,” said her mom, Christine Gatchell, on Wednesday. 

“She had a very big heart,” added her sister Alyssa Otero.

Through tears, Christine Gatchell added, “I’m very, very, very grateful for everybody’s support.”

The family said funeral arrangements have not yet been made. A GoFund Me campaign has been set up to help her family with funeral costs.

A memorial at the scene of the crash that killed 13-year-old Savannah Gatchell.

The Marblehead Public Schools are offering grief counseling at both the Veterans Middle School and Marblehead High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this week, Superintendent John Robidoux announced in a letter to the school community Tuesday afternoon. Grief counseling and support services for anyone in need will continue as students head back to class next week.

“This is a truly devastating way for our community to begin the school year,” Robidoux said.

The crash remains under investigation by the Marblehead Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and State Police Crime Scene Services.

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

Do you feel more informed? At the Current, we’re dedicated to providing fair, comprehensive coverage of Marblehead. As a reader-funded, nonprofit news organization, we rely on the generosity of readers like you.

Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.

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