Driver in crash that killed teen will not face charges

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (FOX 25 / myfoxboston) - It was announced today that the driver in the fatal crash that took the life of a 15-year-old girl last year will not be punished.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. stated that after an extensive investigation into the matter, state police have concluded that the accident was unavoidable.

"With no evidence to establish the commission of a crime, no charges will be brought," Early said.

The accident happened last year on August 24. The driver, Thomas Larivee, 19, was driving his Volvo S70 on Pleasant St. when he struck Alessandra Castner. She was transported to Boston Medical Center where she was pronounced dead hours later due to a head injury.

According to a statement given to police, Larivee was driving 25 to 30 M.P.H and never saw the victim prior to striking her. He was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and had not been on his phone at the time of the accident. He was very cooperative with police and even called 911 at the scene.

The incident had been reconstructed by experts and they concluded that it was all a matter of poor reaction time. “The driver did not have enough time to recognize a person in the crosswalk and react,” said Early.

The family released a response statement stating that they will continue with their search to find a critical witness in the death of their daughter.

“We ask that anyone with knowledge of a white or cream colored Infiniti FX35 present at the scene of the crash to notify State Trooper Gerard A. O'Malley at T. 508-832-9124," they said.

Castner was going to be a sophomore at Marblehead High School. She was an avid athlete and played soccer and basketball. After the crash, Castner’s father spoke out saying he was critical of the investigation.