Marblehead Students Share Sorrow After Classmate Killed In Crash

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead High School students and staff came together in classrooms for the first time Monday since learning that an 18-year-old student-athlete at the school was killed in a single-car crash early Friday morning.

Police said James Galante died from injuries suffered in the early morning crash when the car he was driving went off the causeway. Superintendent John Buckey said the school was notified of the senior's death after school was released later that day.

Students held a vigil in remembrance of their classmate on Saturday with Superintendent John Buckey urging on Monday that news organizations and those posting on social media "respect the privacy of our students, staff and families at this time of loss and grief" when it comes to photos and other expressions of pain.

"As our MHS community returned today after the tragic loss of James Galante, we are coming together to process and grieve," Buckey said in a statement Monday. "On Friday, when Police Chief King communicated the tragic news, he requested 'the media give the Galante family privacy during this difficult time.'

"Some of our students have come to us today troubled that they are depicted in photos on social media from Saturday's vigil. These students are feeling vulnerable and in some cases violated or embarrassed.

"While I do not understand the thinking behind capturing such grief and posting it, I do understand the damage it is causing. I am imploring our community to respect the privacy of our students, staff and families as we continue to process and mourn the death of James Galante."

Counselors were at the high school throughout the weekend for those needing additional support. Students and families can also contact the Marblehead Counseling Center at 781-631-8273.

Galante was a member of the 2021 Super Bowl champion Marblehead football team.

King said in a statement on Friday: "I can only offer my family's heartfelt condolences and assurances that we will conduct a full and thorough investigation."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)