Falmouth Star Athletes James Lavin, Owen Higgins Killed in Crash

FALMOUTH, MA — Two Falmouth High School star athletes were killed in a crash as they drove home from hockey practice Thursday night. James Lavin and Owen Higgins were both 17 years old.

The crash happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Thomas Landers Road near Geggatt Road. Lavin was driving a dark-color sedan with Higgins in the passenger seat when he veered off the side of the road and slammed through a row of trees. Lavin was pronounced dead at the scene. Higgins was airlifted to a local hospital. On Friday night, police announced Higgins succumbed to his injuries.

"It was a very tragic incident," Falmouth police Chief Edward Dunne said Friday during a news conference. "It's affected the whole community."

Dunne said investigators are still trying to determine why the vehicle left the road. Photos from the scene showed Lavin's car wrapped around a tree.

Dozens of high schools from Cape Cod and beyond offered condolences upon learning of the boys' passing. Lavin and Higgins played football and in December they led Falmouth High School to a state title. Lavin played offensive guard and defense end; Higgins played defensive tackle and tight end.

"He was a very fun-loving, smart, caring, and funny young man," Lavin's obituary reads. "His aspirations were to continue playing football and have a career in business."

Falmouth High School was scheduled to be closed Friday for winter recess but school officials opened it and had grief counselors available for students.

"We know that this unfortunate event affects the entire community," Superintendent Nancy Taylor said in a statement Friday. "The most important thing we can do for our children is be supportive."

Visiting hours for Lavin will be held Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Falmouth. The funeral is Tuesday at St. Patrick Church in Falmouth and the burial will be held at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

A community fundraiser has been set up to pay for Lavin's funeral expenses. Leftover money will go to a scholarship in his name. The fundraiser total was up to $30,000 in 18 hours.

A fundraiser was also established for Higgins, who played baseball in addition to football and hockey.

"Owen was a light, a joy and had an unparalleled zest for life," reads a memorial on the fundraiser, which raised nearly $22,000 in six hours. The money also will cover his funeral expenses, with leftover funds going to a scholarship.

• James Lavin Fundraiser
• Owen Higgins Fundraiser

The New England Patriots issued this statement:

"Sending condolences to the families, friends and the Falmouth community who are mourning the tragic losses of James Lavin and Owen Higgins."

Lavin was a defenseman on the hockey team. He was also on the track team, competing in discus and shot put.

This is the crash scene:

This is the vicinity of the crash:

James Lavin's Obituary

James Patrick Lavin, 17, of East Falmouth MA, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016.

James was an all-star varsity athlete, football state champion, hockey varsity defenseman, and performed in discus, shot-put and field events, for Falmouth High School. He was a very fun-loving, smart, caring, and funny young man. James was a high school senior, loved by all of the Clippers, past and present. His aspirations were to continue playing football and have a career in business.

He leaves behind his mother Sheila (Pauline) Lavin, his father Joseph P. Lavin, brother John Lavin, sister Cherie Lavin, and sister Erin Lavin of East Falmouth. He was one of 18 grandchildren to his beloved Nana, Marion Pauline. He also leaves behind his family in New York and his grandmother, Mary Maloney; several loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and his god parents Kevin Lavin and Audrey Lucier. He also leaves many good friends, a loving girlfriend, Marissa Boffoli, teachers and coaches whom he loved dearly. James was the best person we knew and left us too soon.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26 at Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Falmouth. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at St. Patrick Church, 511 Main Street, Falmouth. Burial will follow in the St. Anthony’s Cemetery, 167 East Falmouth Hwy (Rt. 28), East Falmouth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James’ honor a GoFundMe account to establish a scholarship fund for Falmouth High School student athletes. https://www.gofundme.com/in-me...

Falmouth Community Resources for Parents and Students