Community mourns Timberlane freshman's death

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March 13, 2013

Community mourns Timberlane freshman's death

Police release few details

By Jo-Anne MacKenzieand Doug Ireland Staff writers The Eagle Tribune Wed Mar 13, 2013, 12:13 AM EDT

DANVILLE — A 15-year-old Timberlane freshman died at police Chief Wade Parsons’ home Monday evening, but the circumstances of his death remain a mystery.

Timberlane Regional High School officials confirmed the “untimely death” of Jacob Carver in a reverse 911 call at about 5:45 p.m. yesterday.

State and local police received a 911 call at 7:15 p.m. Monday from the home at 53 Caramel Drive. State Police Lt. Christopher Vetter said.

State police responded in force and remained at the home for hours. But they released almost no information Monday night and little more yesterday.

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a shooting at the home Monday evening. Scanner reports said a 15-year-old was in “traumatic arrest” after suffering a gunshot wound to the stomach.

State police would not confirm the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.

Parsons, police chief in the town of less than 4,500 since 1995, is not under investigation, Vetter said.

He said state police is the only agency investigating the death.

”The county attorney has been consulted, but they are not involved in any way,” Vetter said.

Jacob was a member of the Timberlane football team, the freshman wrestling team and was a member of the Timberlane Tornado youth football system.

”He had a great personality. He got along with kids well,” said Barry Chooljian, head wrestling coach and guidance counselor. “Our younger guys on the team were struggling with it today. It was a tough day at school.”

But Chooljian said he believed the school handled the tragedy well. He said the school community was supportive.

”It says a lot about our school,” he said.

The guidance department was available to students all day, he said, and a lot of them took advantage of that.

”I would describe the mood as somber,” he said, but added students were very supportive of one another.

”What stood out for me was the ability to take care of each other,” Chooljian said. “It says a lot about our kids.”

Jacob was a good teammate and had a lot of potential in wrestling, he said. The football coaching staff felt the same way, according to Chooljian.

Tornado coach Paul Kaminiski, listed as the organization’s vice president, posted on the organization’s Facebook page yesterday.

”I wanted to take a moment to remember a Tornado family member that left us too soon,” he wrote. “As friends, draw together like brothers, there is strength in numbers. Go hug your parents, they need it more than you do, trust me on that one. Most of all, I ask that you all keep the Carver family in your thoughts and prayers.”

There was support for Parsons, too.

The chief was not at work yesterday and Selectman Christopher Giordano said he wasn’t sure how long Parsons might be out.

Giordano called it an unfortunate, tragic accident.

Selectmen are ready to support Parsons, a member of the department since 1985.

“We’re still gathering information,” Giordano said. “Whatever he needs, we will support him.”

Staff writer Alex Lippa contributed to this report.