The Bedford community is grappling with a profound sense of loss following the tragic death of 13-year-old Parker Robles, a beloved student at John Glenn Middle School. Parker passed away after a devastating crash in Stoneham on Friday afternoon, leaving his school district and countless friends heartbroken and searching for answers. The sheer suddenness of the event has sent shockwaves through the quiet Massachusetts town, prompting school officials to immediately activate support systems for grieving students and staff.
The accident, which happened just after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, involved Parker, who was riding an electric dirt bike, and a car on Oak Street in Stoneham. Investigators from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office reported that the collision occurred as a 73-year-old man was turning his Toyota Corolla onto the street. Though emergency responders rushed Parker to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is still active, but as of now, no charges have been filed against the driver.
In the immediate aftermath, the focus in Bedford has shifted entirely to providing comfort and space to heal. Bedford Superintendent Cliff Chuang reached out to all families in a heartfelt letter, sharing the district’s deep sorrow over the unimaginable loss. To ensure every student has a place to process their feelings, counselors are now available at John Glenn Middle School, where Parker was a student, as well as at Lane Elementary School, which his younger brother attends. This communal effort underscores how Parker’s loss has touched every corner of the school district.
This isn’t just a school-level effort, it’s a full community pause. In a striking move to prioritize the emotional needs of families and staff, the Bedford School Committee postponed its scheduled Tuesday meeting, moving it to December 9th. This small but significant gesture allows the community the time and space it desperately needs to rally around one another and begin the difficult process of grief. School leaders have also been quick to remind parents that grief manifests differently in everyone, and they encourage families to reach out for support if their children seem to be struggling.
The impact of Parker’s life became visible over the weekend at the crash site in Stoneham, which has quickly transformed into a deeply moving memorial. Friends, classmates, and community members gathered to lay flowers, leave heartfelt notes, and share small, personal tributes to the young teen. The scene served as a powerful testament to how much Parker was loved and how acutely his absence is being felt. Amidst the flowers and silence, one friend, Georgie Travis, perfectly articulated the collective pain, simply stating, “I can’t believe he’s already gone. He was only 13. Nothing like that should ever happen to a 13-year-old, never in the world.”
Meanwhile, the tragic accident has sparked a stern warning from Stoneham’s police chief about the dangers of riding e-bikes unsafely, a reminder that comes too late for Parker’s family but serves as a plea for greater caution. In response to recent complaints, the police department is increasing patrols to monitor unsafe riding practices—a direct, unfortunate consequence of this tragedy. Parker’s aunt, Chelsea Chagnon, shared a brief statement expressing the family’s immense pain but also their gratitude for the incredible community support: “Parker was so loved. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn this unimaginable loss.”
As the investigation continues its meticulous work, the people of Bedford are united in their commitment to supporting Parker’s family and each other. By keeping lines of communication and counseling wide open, the district is working to ensure that students feel cared for and seen during this incredibly painful time. The memory of Parker Robles will undoubtedly live on through the kindness, connection, and enduring spirit of a community coming together to face an unimaginable heartache.
