Falmouth Hockey Players Killed In Crash: Pot, Speeding Cited

FALMOUTH, MA — A Falmouth High School hockey player had marijuana in his system and was driving recklessly when he lost control and slammed through a row of trees in December, killing himself and a teammate, according to the results of an investigation released Monday. James Lavin and Owen Higgins, both 17 years old, were star athletes. Weeks before they died, they led Falmouth to a state title in football.

The crash happened Dec. 22 as they drove home from hockey practice. Lavin was driving a sedan with Higgins in the passenger seat. Lavin was "traveling recklessly at a high rate of speed, illegally passed another vehicle over a double yellow line, lost control, left the roadway, and struck a tree," according to a state police investigation. Toxicology reports revealed the pair had marijuana in their systems.

Lavin was killed at the scene. Higgins was hospitalized and later succumbed to his injuries.

The local community raised more than $120,000 for scholarships in their memory.

• This story will be updated

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• Falmouth Star Athletes James Lavin, Owen Higgins Killed in Crash
• James Lavin 'The Best Person We Knew,' Family Says
• Falmouth Star Athlete Owen Higgins 'Lit Up Life'

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