Bridgewater Firefighter Responds To Son's Deadly Crash
BRIDGEWATER (CBS) -- The town of Bridgewater is mourning the son of a firefighter and stepson of a police department member killed in a one-car crash Wednesday morning.
Eighteen-year-old Paul Chuilli Jr., of West Bridgewater, died in the crash on Aldrich Road at the intersection of Princess Pine at about 11:30 a.m. The 2001 Chevy Impala he was driving appeared to have lost control on a curve in the road before hitting a tree.
Chuilli was the son of a Bridgewater firefighter, and the stepson of a Bridgewater police department member, officials confirmed. His father was one of the first firefighters on the scene and his stepmother took the 911 phone call.
"It's a tragedy to lose a loved one, but it's also very traumatic to have to be there and have to be the one they are relying on to help them," Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte said.
"As a department we are grieving along with the Chuilli family," Bridgewater Fire Chief George Rogers Jr. said in a statement. "The support we have received from our fire and police families across the Commonwealth has been tremendous and we are truly grateful."
The West Bridgewater School Community said in a statement that it was "shocked and saddened" by Chuilli's death, and counselors will be available for grieving students.
"Paul was a great student athlete who was well liked by students and faculty," Superintendent Patty Oakley said. "He will be missed by all."
A growing memorial of flowers, pictures and sports equipment was at the scene of the crash Thursday morning.
Classmate Sarah Anderson said there was a school gathering Wednesday night, where students were in disbelief.
"I know it was a tragedy for everyone," she said. "They were all gathered at the school for him to just talk about what happened and how it was so bad for all of them, how they're all dealing with it and how his parents responded to the call."
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