Westport has been lucky.
It had been a while since we lost a young person.
Accidents, cancer, suicide — those are the tragedies that, from time to time, touch every town.
Over the years, we’ve had our share.
Yet teenagers have gotten the message about drinking and driving. Medicine has made great strides. All of us are much more aware of mental health.
Still, no place is immune to everything. No teen is invincible.
Nor is any town.
Max Harper
As Westport mourns the death of Max Harper — the 18-year-old Staples High School senior killed Wednesday afternoon on a dirt bike on Old Hill Road, not far from his home — we search for words of comfort.
Parents and teachers want to help Max’s friends and fellow students make sense of what they’re going through. For many, this is their first experience with death.
Adults want to assure each other that our kids will be okay. Of course, we’re trying reassure ourselves of the same thing.
The counseling that Staples provides is important.
So is the physical presence of each of us.
Yesterday, as school was delayed 2 hours for staff to prepare, a group of students organized a gathering at Compo Beach.
“In terms of grievance, it is crucial that you spend time with loved ones,” the teens told each other by text, and on social media.
“Regardless of your relation to Max, we encourage everyone to join the community and face this difficult time in unity.”
Those are impressive, empathic words from teenagers. It’s clear they have been raised lovingly and well.
At 9 a.m., hundreds of students gathered.
Several people — including Max’s father, Max’s and family friends, Staples’ school resource officer and the assistant principal for the Class of 2025 — spoke.
But mostly, it was a time for quiet reflection. Boys and girls took flowers, and placed them gently in the water. A student led a prayer, for those who wanted to join.
(Photos/Luca Caniato)
Westport is lucky to have avoided a teenage tragedy for so long. We are lucky to have school personnel and other adults to support our kids, as they support each other.
At times like these, words are difficult to find. They often sound hollow, or trite.
But actions are important.
Staples students have shown one way to act.
Tom Scarice offers another.
In his message to parents Wednesday night, the superintendent of schools said: “As you say goodnight to your children and loved ones, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.”
Then, give them a hug — from yourself, and from the community.
Our heart felt condolences to Maxs family and friends… there are no words for this tragedy. In our hearts forever 🙏😇❤️He will always be here in spirit 💞 The Robertshaw Family
I have not been a Westporter or Staples student since the 1966-77 school year, but I have known this kind of loss.
Dan, I have been so glad you have provided so many of us with this link to a community we grew to care about when we were part of it.
My heart also goes out to the family of Max, and the entire community.
It is time for kindness and respect in all of our dealings with people- Those we know and those we simply encounter. Max’s untimely death reminds of of the fragility of all of our lives. We can’t waste our time with hateful speech or actions.
Sandy Lefkowitz y