It Was A Week Of Tears In Needham

NEEDHAM, MA — It was a week of tears in Needham for two high school students who were killed in a car crash last weekend and a woman who was stabbed to death.

Makeshift memorials and moments of silence became common as the town remembered Talia Newfield and Adrienne Garrido, who died while crossing the street near Needham High School Feb. 10 and Olivia Bergstrom, who was found dead in her apartment the same night.

The crash that resulted in the death of the two teens remains under police investigation, with officers focused on two drivers. Bergstrom's boyfriend, Benjamin Walsh, has been charged with her murder and is being held without bail.

READ MORE

• Obituaries: Talia Newfield And Adrienne Garrido
• Woman Stabbed To Death Was 'Vibrant, With A Bright Future'
• Following Fatal Crash, It's Anything But Normal At Needham HS
• No Bail For Man Charged With Stabbing Parents, Killing Girlfriend
• Needham Man Charged With Stabbing Parents; Girlfriend Found Dead
• Teens In Fatal Needham Crash Die

A memorial for the teens appeared almost instantly outside of Needham High School and has grown since. Students have left flowers, photos, and banners at the spot where the two were hit. Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst tweeted that the Own Your Peace/Piece sculpture at Needham High School has become a symbol of resilience, hope, compassion, and community.

Prior to Tuesday's selectmen meeting, a moment of silence was held for the three.

"There are no words to properly address our deep dismay, sadness, and horror at the events that unfolded. In both cases, there is much to learn. I want to thank all our first responders - out police, our fire EMT's, and the hospital's emergency room staff. I want to thank Superintendent Dan Gutekanst and Needham High School Principal Aaron Sicotte for their care for our students, and the town's health and human services departments for their support. When tragedies such as this occur, it takes a village even though nothing can really make it right again," selectmen Chairperson Marianne Cooley said.

The selectmen announced that they will take up the issue of pedestrian safety at a meeting in March.

An estimated 1,000 people attended Newfield's funeral, according to the Boston Globe. Funerals for Bergstrom and Garrido took place Saturday.