By Benson Judge | Published: July 14, 2026 | Sources: Police Report,
MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — The Middlebury community is mourning the loss of David Young, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Pomperaug High School, who died after a motor scooter crash early Saturday morning, according to local authorities and school officials.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 12:31 a.m. on Middlebury Road (Route 64) near the Dunkin’ plaza, police said. Young was riding a motor scooter when it collided with a pickup truck. Emergency responders transported him to Waterbury Hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries, where he later died despite medical efforts.
The pickup truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene. Police said the driver is cooperating fully with investigators.
Investigation Into Fatal Middlebury Crash Underway
The Naugatuck Valley Collision Investigation Team responded to the scene alongside the Middlebury Police Department to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Authorities temporarily closed a section of Middlebury Road while investigators documented the scene and collected evidence. The roadway has since reopened, but officials have not yet released additional details regarding the cause of the collision or whether any charges are anticipated.
As of publication, the investigation remains active, and police have asked anyone with information related to the crash to contact investigators.
Pomperaug High School Mourns Recent Graduate David Young
News of Young’s death has deeply affected students, faculty, and residents throughout the Region 15 school community.
In a message shared with students and families, Pomperaug High School Principal Paul Jones remembered the recent graduate as someone whose personality left a lasting impression on those around him.
“David was a funny and bright young man, and we will miss what he brought to the world,” Jones said. “We have been in communication with his family and will continue to support them in this terrible time.”
The school also announced that grief support services were made available to students and staff. The school library opened Saturday afternoon to provide a safe space for classmates seeking counseling and emotional support following the tragedy.
Principal Jones also reminded members of the community that additional crisis resources remain available through 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and 211, which connects residents with local health and community support services.
Community Leaders Express Condolences
Middlebury First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr also issued a heartfelt statement following Young’s death, urging residents to respect the family’s privacy while offering support.
“As a mother of my own recent PHS grad, I am heartbroken for this loss, and I would ask that as our community rallies around this family, we do so at their pace, not ours,” Mahr said.
Her remarks echoed the grief felt across Middlebury, where many residents have begun sharing messages of sympathy for Young’s family, classmates, teachers, and friends.
Remembering David Young
Although details about David Young’s future plans have not yet been publicly shared, those who knew him describe him as a bright, kind-hearted young man whose humor and positive spirit touched many within the Pomperaug High School community.
His death comes only weeks after celebrating a milestone that marked the beginning of adulthood, making the tragedy especially painful for classmates preparing to begin college, careers, military service, and other next chapters.
As family, friends, and educators mourn his passing, many have expressed hope that the community will continue to support one another in the difficult days ahead.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not released additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the collision, and officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Middlebury Police Department or the Naugatuck Valley Collision Investigation Team.
Tributes for David Young continue to grow as classmates, teachers, and community members remember a young life taken far too soon.