An 18-year-old riding a dirt bike was killed this afternoon, in a collision on Old Hill Road.
Maximilien Harper, a Staples High School senior, was riding south on Old Hill Road, just south of Partrick Road, shortly after 3 p.m.
The driver of a loaded dump truck traveling in the other direction tried to avoid the dirt bike, on a sharp corner. The truck veered off the road, hit several trees and rolled on its side.
Max was fatally injured in the collision.
The dump truck driver was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The crash is under investigation by the Westport Police Detective Bureau and Westport Police Accident investigation Team, assisted by Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas extends the condolences of the department to Max’s family.
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Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says:
“I truly don’t know how to start this message. These are among the hardest messages to deliver and process, as both a father and a member of the WPS community. Tonight, as I embrace and say goodnight to my 16-year-old son, my mind will be miles away.
“Max Harper’s loss is heartbreaking for our school and extended community. I know many of you will feel its impact in the days ahead.
“In moments like these, words just fall short. But what we can offer is our unwavering support to those affected by this tragedy, beginning with Max’s family. Please come together during this difficult time. Lean on one another, and extend compassion to those who are grieving.
“In order to ensure that our faculty and staff are fully prepared to appropriately receive our students tomorrow, Staples High School will operate on a 2-hour delay. All other schools will open at their normal times.
“The entire faculty will come together, grieve, and be provided guidance and language on how to support our students when they arrive, when they see them in Connections, and also throughout the day.
“For any students needing support prior to the opening of school, the Staples counseling staff will be available to provide support to individuals and small groups of students.
“Staples principal Stafford Thomas will send a follow up email this evening to the Staples families and staff outlining the plans for the day, beginning with the early morning support, and the measures put in place to support students.
“All athletic games will be canceled Thursday, but teams will be permitted to meet for light practices or team meetings in order to provide students a place to be with one another after school.
“Finally, as you say goodnight to your children and loved ones, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.”
With heartfelt sympathy,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
I feel so sad for the family. Getting that phone call had to be traumatic. My prayers are for the family.
I am absolutely devastated for the family and friends of Max.
This is an unthinkable loss.
I literally have no words. I’m heartbroken for them.
I am so so sorry to hear this. I am praying for Max and his family.
Max Harper, I never knew you but I heard about your very kind heart and your good soul towards others at Staples. I used to go to Staples in 9th grade and went to a private school but I still keep up with these news. I am very upset to hear the news about you I love you so much and your the most beautiful angel ever. Everyone loves you and we will always remember you. I feel so bad that I did not go to your memorial this morning at Compo Beach I did not get any news on it since I don’t go to Staples. I love you so so much and you’re the most beautiful angel ever. I will pray for Jesus to take very good care of you and give you a second chance. I love you so so so so so much. 🥺🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭😭🕊️🕊️🕊️ We would have been best friends if I ever met you – Luisa a person that used to go to Staples that you never ever met.