15-year-old Berlin High School student dies following bicycle accident

BERLIN, Conn. (WFSB) - A community is in mourning after a 15-year-old was killed riding his bicycle on Saturday.

Police say 15-year-old Chase Anderson was riding his bike near the Mobile Gas Station on Berlin Turnpike when he was involved in a car accident.

Officials believe Anderson was trying to cross the Berlin Turnpike after buying something from the gas station convince store around 3:00 in the morning.

Investigators say the Anderson didn’t live far from the intersection and was believed to be heading home.

“We found an injured party. He was remedied to by our officers. He was transported to the hospital and unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries,” says Berlin Police Chief Christopher Ciucci.

Chase was pronounced dead at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain.

Locals say several accidents occur at that intersection. Police say they are still trying to figure out why a 15-year-old would be out in that intersection that early in the day.

“I do see [kids] after 8:00 on bikes. I wonder if they have their vests or reflective wear. This is a dangerous area for people to be riding a bike or motorcycle,” says Maria Torres the assistant store manager of the convivence store.

The crash is being investigated by the Midstate Accident Reconstruction Team.

Anderson recently became a member of the Berlin Police Cadet program.

Berlin Police released a statement saying:

Although the Berlin Police Cadet Program only recently began, Cadet Anderson was a consistent member with a positive attitude and an immense enthusiasm. The entire Berlin Police Department and Police Cadet program convey our deepest sympathy to both his family and friends, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of this young cadet whose bright future was cut tragically short.

Anderson should be starting sophomore year at Berlin High School on Thursday.

School officials told Channel 3 that Anderson was an active member of the bike club.

The school released a statement saying:

We are devastated by the loss of Chase and heartbroken for his family and friends. He was a friend to many with a special spark and a great sense of humor. We know students, families and staff are grieving this loss to our community. We have counseling support available Sunday, August 21 from 10:00 - 2:00 PM and throughout the week at Berlin High School. Chase was really looking forward to the start of the school year, so we are going to do our best to honor him by embodying his energetic spirit as we welcome back and support staff and students this week.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Berlin Police.