WESTPORT, Conn — A high school senior on a dirt bike was killed in a collision with a dump truck Wednesday in Westport, according to the town's police department.
Police went to Old Hill Road at 3:19 p.m. after receiving a report of the crash.
Investigators learned that a dirt bike, traveling south along Old Hill Road, and a fully loaded dump truck, going north, collided just south of Patrick Road as the operators negotiated a sharp corner.
The dirt bike rider, identified by police as Maximilien Harper, 18, of Westport, was found dead by officers.
As the dump truck driver attempted to avoid the crash, the vehicle went off the road and hit multiple trees before rolling on its side and dumping all of the contents from the truck, police said.
The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Westport Police Detective Bureau and Westport Police Accident Investigation Team are investigating the crash, with assistance from the Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team.
In a message to the community and to Harper's family, Police Chief Foti Koskinas said that the "Westport Police Department extends its sincerest condolences on their loss."
Westport Public School Superintendent Thomas Scarice said Wednesday evening that Harper was a senior at Staples High School, which will have a two-hour delayed opening Thursday.
"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," Scarice said in a statement.
He added that the "entire faculty will come together, grieve and be provided guidance and language" on how to support students, and that counseling staff will be available for individuals and small groups of students.
All athletic games at Staples High School have been cancelled Thursday, but teams will be permitted for "light practices or team meetings in order to provide students a place to be with one another after school."
"As you say goodnight to your children, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is," Scarice said.
Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at shumphrey@fox61.com.
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