Suffield HS Junior Identified as Victim Struck by SUV

Officials have identified the Suffield teenager who died after being hit by a motor vehicle while getting the mail in front of his home on Wednesday night

In a statement Thursday, School Superintendent Karen Baldwin said, “It is with deep sadness that I am sharing with you the tragic loss of one of our students, Kevin Vitale (grade 11). Kevin was struck by a vehicle on Mapleton Avenue in front of his home last evening. Kevin was active in the Best Buddies program at the high school and was a positive and engaged member of the school community.”

The 17-year-old was struck by an SUV around 6 p.m. and when Suffield Police arrived, they found Vitale lying off of the road, and the vehicle stopped close to where it happened, according to WFSB. It was snowing at the time of the accident and police are investigating whether that was a factor.

Kevin was rushed to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA where he died from his injuries.

Investigators said the driver has been cooperating with them. As of Thursday morning, no criminal charges were filed, according to WFSB.

Baldwin said school counselors, psychologists, and social worker are providing grief counseling for students at the high school. Counseling support will be ongoing and a schedule will be posted on the website (www.suffield.org) for weekend hours.

In addition to offering services to students, Baldwin said the district also is offering assistance to parents.

“Helping children deal with a sudden loss of a friend, classmate, or school mate requires our understanding and modeling. Every family has to deal with death in its own way depending on the relationship to the individual, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and the developmental needs of the child. In an effort to assist you in speaking with your child about this loss, and to help you gauge your child’s level of sadness or need, two articles have been posted on the front page of the district website (www.suffield.org) under “Resources for Grief and Loss”. Our counselors are also available to assist you if you have questions or concerns.”

Kevin was active in the Best Buddies program that works with children with disabilities.

Friends also have established a GoFundMe account to raise $500 for his family.

Here is what they posted:

Kevin Vitale was a sweet and caring member of the Suffield Community. Everytime anyone saw him in the halls of Suffield High School, he was smiling. In memory of Kevin we would like to create a fundraiser in order to help raise money to help his family. As many of you may know it is hard losing a family member, and the affording it isn’t any easier. The goal for now is $500, but feel free to keep donating.

Here is the link to make a donation.

Photo credit: from gofundme.com.