Lexington students mourn teen
Late night crash on Route 2 had followed party
LEXINGTON -- Students gathered in grief yesterday at the side of a highway where a former Lexington High School student died in a car crash Friday night after attending a house party with his younger brother.
Andrew Stone, 18, died after the 2000 Audi A6 sedan driven by his brother, Alex, 17, swerved across Route 2 westbound, rolled down a slight embankment, and struck a tree.
Sergeant Robert Bousquet of the State Police said alcohol "may have been a factor" in the accident.
At the crash site, a white cross held up by a small pile of rocks marked the spot, along with skid marks, where the car left the road.
Throughout the day, several groups of teenagers gathered there, kneeling, crying and clinging to one another. A wreath of white flowers had been placed on the cross, and a small American flag was placed by the shrine.
Distraught students also huddled outside Lexington High, where they were greeted yesterday morning by counselors, nurses, and social workers. It was the first day at school since the accident.
Students interviewed after school said a morning announcement broke the news to many before a moment of silence was called for their former classmate, who left Lexington High in the fall to obtain a GED.
"Everyone is devastated," said freshman Grace Bongiovi, 15. "It was quiet, really grim."
Students said several teenagers were crying in the library when speaking to grief counselors. Large sheets of white paper were hung on a wall across from the library so students could write condolences or messages of support to the Stone family.
In a letter to parents, high school principal Michael Jones said, "Andrew Stone attended a High School that cared a lot about him and that cares about keeping students safe.
"The tears of his family and friends were shared by teachers and staff who, like everyone, were shocked to hear of his death," Jones said.
Students are also worried about Alex Stone, who was treated at a hospital but has been released.
"People are scared that he is going to be in a lot of trouble," said Johnie Orchanian, a 14-year-old freshman. ". . . I talked to my parents about it over the weekend, and they said that it's like all the things their family worked for are gone, trashed."
Student Tom Osborne, 16, said he knows Alex Stone, whom he described as "just a really good kid."
Students said that the brothers had been at a house party just before the crash.
"People are really upset," said 15-year-old Kathleen O'Connor. "People who were at the party were really upset that no one stopped them from going home."
Corey Welford, a spokesman for Middlesex District Attorney Gerald T. Leone Jr., said he could not say whether charges would be filed against the younger Stone brother.
"This is an ongoing investigation," Welford said. 