Marin Stackpole, 17, Remembered After Tragic Collision in Fairhaven; Greater New Bedford and Voc-Tech Communities Mourn Together
The Fairhaven and Greater New Bedford areas are enveloped in heartbreak following the devastating loss of Marin Stackpole, a 17-year-old student at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. Marin’s life came to a tragic end on the evening of Saturday, July 5, 2025, in a severe motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Route 6 and Jeannette Street in Fairhaven.
The sudden and tragic nature of the crash has sent shockwaves throughout the South Coast region, prompting an outpouring of grief, reflection, and remembrance for a young life filled with potential, compassion, and promise. Marin’s family, friends, teachers, and peers now find themselves navigating the painful road of loss—grappling with the reality that someone so vibrant and full of life is now gone far too soon.
The Incident: A Devastating Evening on Route 6
According to the Fairhaven Police Department, emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of Route 6 and Jeannette Street shortly after 7:45 p.m. on Saturday following reports of a serious crash involving multiple vehicles. Upon arrival, responders found one of the vehicles had sustained extensive front-end damage, and a teenage occupant—later identified as Marin Stackpole—had suffered life-threatening injuries.
First responders administered immediate aid and transported Marin to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. Despite all life-saving efforts, she was pronounced deceased a short time later. The occupants of the other vehicles involved reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene or at local hospitals.
Massachusetts State Police and local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Preliminary information suggests that speed and visibility at the busy intersection may be contributing factors, although officials have not released further specifics as the investigation remains ongoing.
The stretch of Route 6 where the crash occurred has been the site of numerous past incidents, prompting renewed calls for enhanced traffic safety measures, particularly at intersections that see both local and high-volume commuter traffic.
A Life of Promise: Remembering Marin Stackpole
At just 17, Marin Stackpole had already left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. A junior at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech, she was known for her sharp intellect, creative talents, and warm personality that drew people in. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or during extracurricular activities, Marin brought with her a contagious enthusiasm and kindness that made others feel seen, heard, and supported.
“She was the kind of student every teacher hopes to have,” said one faculty member. “Respectful, driven, and endlessly curious. She had so much ahead of her.”
Peers echoed that sentiment, sharing heartfelt tributes on social media, many posting photos, videos, and personal memories of shared experiences. One friend wrote, “She was the brightest light in every room. I can’t believe I’ll never hear her laugh again.”
Marin had dreams of attending college after graduation, with aspirations to study healthcare—possibly nursing or occupational therapy—so that she could dedicate her life to helping others. It was a calling that reflected her nature: someone who instinctively cared for people and who always looked for ways to make the world a bit better.
Outside of school, Marin loved hiking, painting, and spending time at the beach with her family. She adored animals and volunteered at local shelters during the summer months. Her natural empathy made her a confidante to many, and her presence brought comfort in times of stress or hardship.
Her loss has not only robbed the community of a gifted and generous spirit—it has created a void that will be deeply felt for years to come.
School and Community Response: Mourning and Support
In the days following the tragedy, Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech released an official statement offering condolences to Marin’s family and outlining support services available for grieving students and staff. The school opened its campus counseling center throughout the weekend and into the following week, ensuring that students processing the news had access to professionals and safe spaces to share their emotions.
“Marin was a beloved member of our school community,” the statement read. “Her impact on her peers and faculty was immeasurable, and we are heartbroken by her loss. We will honor her memory in the days to come and support one another through this time of mourning.”
Students have begun organizing a memorial on school grounds, creating a tribute wall filled with notes, photos, and flowers. Plans are underway for a candlelight vigil and balloon release to celebrate Marin’s life and allow the community to come together in remembrance.
Local clergy, town leaders, and parent volunteers are also stepping in to provide emotional support and coordinate logistics for community remembrance events.
Road Safety Concerns and Renewed Demands for Change
The intersection of Route 6 and Jeannette Street has long been a concern for residents and commuters. With high traffic volume and limited visibility at certain hours of the day, many in the community have called for the installation of additional traffic signals, clearer signage, and improved street lighting.
Marin’s tragic passing has reignited those calls. Local advocacy groups and residents are now urging town officials and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to re-evaluate safety measures at the intersection to prevent further incidents.
“This has been a dangerous crossing for years,” said a Fairhaven resident who lives near the scene. “How many more lives will it take before something is done?”
Several petitions have already begun circulating, and a town hall meeting has been scheduled to address public concerns. Marin’s name has now become a rallying cry for change—an emblem of a life lost to circumstances that, many argue, could be improved with swift policy adjustments.
A Family’s Grief and the Power of Community
Marin’s family, while devastated by the loss, has expressed gratitude for the support pouring in from every corner of the region. In a statement shared by a family spokesperson, they wrote:
“Our hearts are broken beyond words. Marin was our joy, our light, our everything. We are grateful for the love and compassion this community has shown us during this unbearable time.”
Friends and relatives have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral arrangements and to create a scholarship in Marin’s name—an effort to ensure her legacy lives on by helping other students reach their dreams, just as she was preparing to chase hers.
The fundraiser has quickly gained traction, with donations coming from classmates, neighbors, local businesses, and even strangers who were touched by Marin’s story.
A Legacy That Will Not Be Forgotten
As the community gathers to mourn, they are also rallying to celebrate who Marin was and what she stood for—kindness, service, curiosity, and love. Her classmates are proposing a memorial bench at the school and an annual day of service in her name, where students would participate in community-building activities or volunteer work that reflects the kind of person Marin was.
“Even in the midst of this heartbreak, Marin is inspiring us,” one student said. “She brought us together, and we want to carry forward the good she brought into our lives.”
In churches, parks, homes, and classrooms, her name is being spoken with reverence, and her memory honored through stories and shared tears.
Grieving Together, Moving Forward with Purpose
While no words can undo the pain felt by those who loved Marin, the strength of the community has offered a vital foundation for healing. Counselors, educators, religious leaders, and support networks are urging everyone—especially young people—to talk openly about grief, mental health, and the need for safe driving practices.
Educators are also reinforcing life skills curriculum around emotional wellness, empathy, and community care, underscoring the need to prepare students not just academically, but emotionally, for a world that can sometimes bring unbearable pain.
Honoring Marin’s Memory Through Action
As the Fairhaven and New Bedford communities continue to process this heartbreaking loss, one message has become clear: Marin Stackpole’s life mattered deeply. Her presence was a gift to those who knew her, and her spirit continues to influence the lives she touched.
Through action, advocacy, and remembrance, Marin’s name will not be lost to time—it will become a symbol of compassion, youth empowerment, and the importance of coming together in the face of tragedy.
If you or someone you know needs grief support, contact local counseling services or the National Grief Support Hotline at 1-800-445-4808. Help is available.
As the sun sets over Route 6, a cross now stands near the intersection, surrounded by flowers and candles. And with every flicker of those flames, Marin’s light continues to shine in the hearts of those she left behind.
