A 16-year-old East Haven High School student was killed in a crash on Friday afternoon and an online fundraiser has been set up to raise money to cover funeral expenses.
Police said Shawn Franco, a 16-year-old sophomore at East Haven High School, was driving on a curve of South End Road on the East Haven-New Haven town line just before 2:30 p.m. on Friday when he a vehicle driven by 64-year-old Janice Markey, of New Haven, head-on.
Franco succumbed to injuries after the crash and Markey was transported to a hospital to be treated for suffered serious injuries, police said.
Crisis teams have been activated at the high school, where Franco's friends are in mourning.
“He shouldn’t have died at 16 years old,” said Lindsey Rispoli, of East Haven, who knew Franco and lives at the home near where the crash happened.
“My friend said his name and how he died and I broke down. We’re all helping each other through it,” Rispoli said.
Jennifer Rispoli, Lindsey’s mother, said the crash is tragic and that vehicles race regularly on the narrow street.
“Very dangerous. Very dangerous road, especially right there the accident happened,” she said. “It’s just unfortunate that he had to lose his life.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Franco’s funeral.
Police are investigating and ask anyone with information about the crash to call 203-468-3820.
