MARBLEHEAD — A grieving community got a chance to say goodbye to 18-year-old James Galante — a beloved student-athlete who died from injuries sustained in a car crash on Friday — during a candlelight vigil held Saturday night at Marblehead High School.
The farewell ceremony took place in the school gym, and it was followed by the candlelight memorial. Members of the Police Department were in attendance to honor Galante’s memory.
Galante was remembered for playing on the Super Bowl-winning football team and wore No. 19. A large photo of the Marblehead Magicians hung on the wall of the school gym. The visitors could write their farewells to Galante on a large banner that hung next to the team photo.
“We love you, Galante,” “miss you,” and “always with us” were among the messages left by the students and the community.
Marblehead High School Principal Daniel Bauer asked those in attendance to respect the Galante family’s privacy at this time, and Galante’s parents were not available for comments.
“It has been a tragic day for our Marblehead Public Schools family,” said Superintendent of Schools John Buckey in a statement on Friday. Buckey said that the police department shared the news after the school was dismissed.
“We extend our deepest condolences to James’ family and friends and to our entire MPS community,” Buckey added. “I have no doubt that our Marblehead community will come together to support the Galante family through their unimaginable grief.”
The superintendent also notified the community that counselors would be available at the high school on Friday until 7:30 p.m., as well as on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A memorial was held after the farewell ceremony on Piper Field, where Galante played running back, cornerback and returned punts.
Police assured the residents that they were conducting a further investigation into the accident with the assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
“As the Marblehead community mourns the tragic death of James Galante with his family and friends, I would like to assure residents that our department’s investigation into this matter remains active and ongoing,” said Police Chief Dennis King.
“I have a daughter who is a senior in high school,” King continued, adding that he and his wife were heartbroken for the Galante family.
The crash occurred at approximately 3 a.m. Friday, and it resulted in a car falling off the causeway and landing halfway down on the harbor side of the road.
Police and firefighters found a vehicle halfway down the causeway with extensive damage and Galante inside. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition, and later died at the hospital from his injuries Friday afternoon, police said.
“I can only offer my family’s heartfelt condolences, and assurances that we will conduct a complete and thorough investigation,” said King. He also asked the community to be aware that the investigation might take weeks before the final report would be complete.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Marblehead Police Department at 781-631-1212 and ask for Detective Sgt. Sean Brady.
