Berlin Schools, Police Mourn Teen Killed In Accident

BERLIN, CT — The local community this morning is coping with the tragic loss of a 15-year-old teenaged male killed over the weekend after he was hit on his bicycle early Saturday morning.

Berlin police have identified the teen as Chase Anderson of Toll Gate Road, Berlin.

Anderson, police said, was a member of the Berlin Police Department Cadet program.

According to a release issued by the department, the incident happened at about 3:06 a.m. near a Mobil Gas Station at 2005 Berlin Turnpike.

Police said the crash involved a car and the bicycle Anderson was riding.

Anderson was pronounced dead at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain and the crash is being investigated by the Midstate Accident Reconstruction Team, police said.

According to police, Anderson was a student at Berlin High School, which starts classes for the new school year on Thursday.

Police said Anderson signed up for the police cadet program, which had just started.

"Although the Berlin Police Cadet Program only recently began, Cadet Anderson was a consistent member with a positive attitude and immense enthusiasm," wrote Berlin PD Chief of Police Matthew J. McNally IV.

"The entire Berlin Police Department and police cadet program convey our deepest sympathy to both his family and friends and we are deeply saddened by the loss of this young cadet whose bright future was cut tragically short."

BHS Principal Eileen Eustis said Monday morning counseling support is available for students this week.

"We are devastated by the loss of Chase and heartbroken for his family and friends. He was a friend to many with a special spark and a great sense of humor. We know students, families and staff are grieving this loss to our community," wrote Eustis Monday morning.

"Chase was really looking forward to the start of the school year, so we are going to do our best to honor him by embodying his energetic spirit as we welcome back and support staff and students this week."

Meanwhile, an online fundraising campaign has been created to help Anderson's family pay for funeral expenses and create a memorial fund in his honor.

Alex Carbonell, who started the GoFundMe site, wrote, "Chase was 15 and was so excited to start his sophomore year at Berlin High school. He was a member of the police cadet program, he loved school, helping others and brought a smile to all those he came in contact with. His humor could brighten anyone’s day and his kindness toward others was genuine."

By Tuesday morning, $10,466 was already raised toward the $15,000 goal.

Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact Berlin Police Det. Brett Kelly at 860-828-7080.

To view the GoFundMe page for Anderson, visit: https://gf.me/v/c/8pgd/h3pgqt-chase-anderson.