SALEM — An all-star athlete known for her skill and leadership on the field hockey and lacrosse fields at Salem High School died in an SUV crash in Lynn.
Lynn police said Julia Gauthier, 19, of Salem, was a passenger in a Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicle driven by a Marblehead teenager who now faces charges of motor vehicle homicide and drunken driving.
Lynn police and firefighters responded to Eastern Avenue and Glenwood Street, near the Swampscott line, at 1 a.m. yesterday following a report of a motor vehicle crash with injuries.
Lynn police Lt. Dave Brown said initial reports were that the Toyota traveled on Glenwood Street and collided with a vehicle on Eastern Avenue. The Toyota then struck several parked cars and rolled over.
Along with vehicular homicide and drunken driving charges, Christopher Maxson, 19, of 140 Elm St., Marblehead, is also charged with reckless driving and a stop sign violation.
Lynn and state police are investigating the crash. Maxson and two other passengers suffered non life-threatening injuries.
Gauthier graduated 10th in her class at Salem High School last year.
She excelled on the lacrosse field, where she was an offense MVP and a league all-star.
Missy Martineau, who coached the varsity lacrosse team last spring, remembered Gauthier's leadership abilities on the team.
"She was unbelievable," Martineau recounted. "She owned the field. She was a very, very talented athlete."
"We had a rough season (last year). There's only so much I can say," Martineau added, "but Julia was always able to talk to the girls. She'd talk to them with a strategy.
"She was always came up with a way to get things done."
Martineau has been in contact with past and current Salem High lacrosse players who are dealing with Gauthier's death. Grief counselors will be at the high school today to talk with students.
Gauthier's death comes five weeks after the death of her grandfather, Roland, who was well-known throughout the North Shore. Roland Gauthier was the owner of the former Gauthier Motors on Canal Street. He also served on many boards in Salem.
A representative from Gauthier's family said a statement will be made at another time.
Maxson was held overnight at Middleton Jail on no bail. He will be arraigned today at Lynn District Court.
This is not the first time Maxson has been arrested.
In July 2008, Maxson, who is a marketing major at Salem State College, was arrested on marijuana charges, following a motor vehicle stop.
A year ago, he and two other Salem State students were arrested after police said they were drinking a bottle of rum in the police station parking lot.
The trio had gone to the police station to file a report that they were the victims of a hit-and-run crash. While waiting for the patrolman to take their report, police said Maxson and the other students were seen drinking in the hedge behind the police department sign.
Maxson ran from police but was later arrested and charged with drinking in public and illegal possession of alcohol.
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