SACO, Maine — A car crash on Mast Hill Road in Saco early Wednesday morning resulted in the death of a teenager and injuries to two others.
Saco Deputy Police Chief Corey Huntress reported in a news release Wednesday morning that a resident called shortly after midnight after hearing a loud bang and someone screaming for help.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found a black 2011 Ford Fusion that had gone off the road and crashed into a tree, as well as a girl who had been a passenger walking on the road, according to officials.
Daniel Abbott, 17, of Saco, who was a front-seat passenger, was found dead at the scene, police said.
Investigators identified the driver of the car as 18-year-old Riley Tulley, also of Saco. According to Huntress, Tulley was taken to Maine Medical Center with life-threatening injuries while a juvenile girl passenger was also taken to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Rene Menard, headmaster at Thorton Academy, released a statement about Abbott and Tulley, both students at the school.
"Thornton Academy is mourning the tragic death of senior Daniel Abbott. There are no words to describe the loss felt by our entire school community and our thoughts are with Daniel's family," Menard said in a written statement. "Riley Tulley is also a senior at Thornton. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are hopeful for Riley's recovery."
"We have contacted both parents and students, including those close to Daniel and Riley, offering them resources and support through both our school counselors and community partners," Menard added.
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with Mandy Demers, a nearby resident who called 911 to report the crash.
"I woke up and heard someone screaming just really loud, blood-curdling screams for help," Demers said. "I came outside to see what was going on, and we saw a girl running up our driveway and onto our deck screaming for help. ... I've been living here for about seven years, and this is the third major accident that's almost been right in front of our house."
Officials said their initial investigation showed that the Ford Fusion crashed after having passed a vehicle. Speed is considered a factor in the crash, according to police. The crash is still under investigation.
"These folks, it appears they were at a high rate of speed based on the damage of the car," Saco police Chief Jack Clements told NEWS CENTER Maine. "I've got kids that are teenagers. I feel bad for the parents. I feel bad for the community. This is horrible. ... I don't ever want to get that call as a police chief, and I don't know what else to say other than to slow down. It is not worth crashing a car and losing a life. Not worth it."
The Saco Police Department asks anyone who has any information or witnessed the crash to call them at 207-284-4535.