Schools in Bedford, Massachusetts, are preparing to support students as they cope with the heartbreaking loss of 13-year-old Parker Robles, who died after a tragic crash in Stoneham on Friday afternoon. The Bedford School District confirmed that counselors will be available starting Monday to help students and staff process the news, offering emotional guidance as the community grapples with the sudden tragedy. Parker, a student at John Glenn Middle School, is being remembered by teachers, classmates, and families across the district.
According to investigators, Parker had been riding an electric dirt bike along Oak Street around 4:30 p.m. when a collision occurred involving a car. Emergency teams responded quickly and transported him to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, but despite the efforts of medical professionals, Parker sadly passed away. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office reported that the driver involved was a 73-year-old man turning his Toyota Corolla onto Oak Street at the time of the crash. Officials say the investigation remains active, with no charges filed as detectives review evidence and speak to witnesses.
On Sunday, Bedford Superintendent Cliff Chuang sent a heartfelt letter to families expressing deep sorrow over Parker’s death. He shared that the entire school community is grieving and that support systems are being put in place to help students navigate their emotions. Counselors will be available at John Glenn Middle School as well as Lane Elementary School, where Parker’s younger brother is a student. School leaders say these safe spaces will give students a chance to talk, reflect, or simply be with others who are also struggling to understand the loss.
To allow families and staff the time and space needed to heal, the Bedford School Committee has postponed its scheduled Tuesday meeting. The meeting has been moved to December 9, giving the community time to focus on supporting one another. School officials have encouraged families to reach out if their children appear to be having a difficult time, emphasizing that grief can affect young people in different ways and may take time to process.
Throughout the weekend, Parker’s friends visited the crash site in Stoneham, creating a touching memorial filled with flowers, heartfelt notes, and small tributes. Their presence showed how deeply Parker was loved and how greatly his loss is being felt. Many of them spent time sharing memories and comforting each other, trying to make sense of a tragedy that feels unimaginable. One of Parker’s friends, Georgie Travis, expressed the heartbreak felt by so many, saying, “I can’t believe he’s already gone. He was only 13.”
As the investigation continues, the focus for many in Bedford remains on healing and supporting Parker’s family and friends. The district hopes that by offering counseling and open communication, students will feel cared for during this painful time. Through kindness, connection, and community support, Bedford will continue to honor Parker’s memory and help its young people move forward while holding his spirit close.
