Berlin High student, 15, killed riding bicycle had a ‘special spark’
BERLIN — As police continue to investigate, Berlin High School is offering grief counseling to students and staff after the death of 15-year-old Chase Anderson who was struck by a car while riding his bicycle early Saturday.
Anderson was riding a bicycle in the area of 2005 Berlin Turnpike around 3 a.m. when a crash occurred with a motor vehicle, police said. The driver of the car remained on the scene, Deputy Police Chief Chris Ciuci said Monday.
Anderson was taken to the Hospital of Central Connecticut where he died, police said. His immediate cause of death was blunt impact injury to the head and torso, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. His manner of death was listed as an accident, the agency said.
Anderson was a Berlin High School student and a police cadet in the Berlin Police Department’s newly formed program. He was described by Chief Matthew McNally IV as “a consistent member with a positive attitude and immense enthusiasm.”
“We share in the family’s grief and so does the entire town,” Ciuci said.
In a statement, the school district described Anderson as having “a special spark and a great sense of humor.”
“We are devastated by the loss of Chase and heartbroken for his family and friends,” the statement said.
Berlin High School has been offering grief counseling to staff and students since Sunday, Superintendent of Schools Brian Benigni said. The counseling will continue throughout the week, including once school opens on Thursday, Benigni said.
“Chase was really looking forward to the start of the school year, so we are going to do our best to honor him by embodying his energetic spirit as we welcome back and support staff and students this week,” the statement said.
The crash is still under investigation by the Midstate Accident Reconstruction Team, which is comprised of officers from five area police departments, including Berlin, Ciuci said.
Anyone with information can call Berlin Detective Brett Kelly at 860-828-7080.
Grief counseling is being offered at Berlin High School on Patterson Way from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day this week, school officials said.