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Maximilien Harper: Staples High School Student's Fatal Dirt Bike Accident

Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 19, 2024
In Short

Maximilien Harper was an 18-year-old senior at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, who tragically died in a dirt bike accident on September 11, 2024. The Maximilien Harper incident shocked the community, leading to memorials and support measures for the Staples High School student death. Maximilien "Max" Harper, an 18-year-old senior at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, tragically died in a dirt bike accident on September 11, 2024.

Details of the accident

  • Fatal collision: Maximilien Harper was killed when his dirt bike collided with a fully loaded dump truck on Old Hill Road in Westport, Connecticut, near the intersection with Partrick Road
  • Time and date: The Max Harper Westport accident occurred on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, shortly after 3 p.m.
  • Location details: The collision involving Maximilien Harper happened at a sharp curve on Old Hill Road
  • Truck driver's response: The dump truck driver attempted to avoid the collision with Max Harper, causing the truck to veer off the road, hit several trees, and flip onto its side

School and community response

  • Memorial gathering: Hundreds of Staples High School students gathered at Compo Beach for an emotional memorial to Maximilien Harper on September 12, 2024
  • School schedule adjustment: Following the Staples High School student death, the school operated on a two-hour delay on September 12, 2024, to allow faculty to prepare and support students
  • Counseling services: The school made grief counseling available for students and staff affected by Max Harper's death
  • Athletic events: All scheduled games by the school's athletic teams were canceled in response to the Maximilien Harper tragedy
  • Community participation: The memorial for Max Harper Westport included words from Max's father, friends, family friends, and school staff

Safety considerations

  • Helmet use: Reports indicate that Maximilien Harper was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash
  • Recent incidents: The Max Harper Westport accident was one of at least two recent fatalities in Connecticut involving dirt bikes
  • Ongoing investigation: The Maximilien Harper accident remains under investigation by the Westport Police Department's Accident Investigation Team, Detective Bureau, and the Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team

FAQ

What happened to Maximilien Harper?

Maximilien "Max" Harper, an 18-year-old senior at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, died in a dirt bike accident on September 11, 2024. His dirt bike collided with a fully loaded dump truck on Old Hill Road in Westport.

When and where did the Max Harper Westport accident occur?

The accident occurred on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, shortly after 3 p.m. It happened at a sharp curve on Old Hill Road near the intersection with Partrick Road in Westport, Connecticut.

Was Maximilien Harper wearing a helmet during the accident?

Reports indicate that Maximilien Harper was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which likely contributed to the severity of his injuries.

How did the community respond to the Staples High School student death?

The community responded with a large memorial gathering at Compo Beach on September 12, 2024. Hundreds of Staples High School students attended, and the school provided grief counseling services. Athletic events were canceled, and the school operated on a two-hour delay the day after the accident.

Who is investigating the Maximilien Harper accident?

The accident is being investigated by the Westport Police Department's Accident Investigation Team, Detective Bureau, and the Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the tragic event.