Saco, Maine, Teen Dies in Car Crash, Two Injured

A Saco teen died early Wednesday morning when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a large tree.

Saco Police said residents on Mast Hill Road called 911 after hearing a loud bang and someone screaming for help around 12:30 a.m.  Officers who responded to the call found a teenage girl who had been a passenger in the 2011 Ford Fusion walking in the road, and two people trapped inside.

First responders freed the teens using the Jaws of Life. The driver of the car, Riley Tulley, 18, of Saco, was taken to Maine Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Passenger Daniel Abbott, 17, also of Saco and a senior at Thornton Academy, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The teen girl was also taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

A preliminary investigation determined Tulley passed a vehicle, then went off the road and into a tree. Police said speed appears to be a factor in the crash.

Spokesman John Lamb told Seacoast Current that Thornton Academy is mourning Abbott's death.

"There are no words to describe the loss felt by our entire school community and our thoughts are with Daniel's family. Riley Tulley is also a senior at Thornton. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are hopeful for Riley's recovery," Lamb said in a statement. "We have contacted both parents and students, including those close to Daniel and Riley, offering them resources and support through both our school counselors and community partners."

Saco Police asked anyone with information about the crash to call them at 207-284-4535.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH