BEVERLY — A Beverly man died yesterday morning from injuries suffered in a single-car accident on Middleton Road in North Andover on Thursday night.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified by the Essex County District Attorney's office as Wesley von Burn, 30, of 19 Melvin Ave. His 1998 Mercedes hit a tree at about 8:15 p.m.
Middleton Road runs roughly north-south through the center of Harold Parker State Forest, from Haverhill Street in Andover to Forest Street in Middleton. The accident occurred near the ranger's cabin.
Von Burn was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries yesterday morning, according to Carrie Kimball-Monahan, spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
In the two or three years that von Burn lived on Melvin Avenue with his wife, Teegan, he established close relationships with some of his neighbors.
"Our dogs used to play together," said neighbor Kim Walker. "They are the nicest people."
Von Burn was a regular guest in the house, said her husband, Philip Walker. "He would come over and have wine and food," he said.
During those casual conversations the neighbors would discuss everything from the area's latest news to housework and their pets. Philip said von Burn was a Freemason who was interested in motorcycles and books. He remembered von Burn's large library collection, which included a sizeable comic book collection.
Von Burn's house sits at the end of the street surrounded by a large, well-groomed yard. The elevated back porch has a clear view of the water just west of Beverly Harbor and is positioned for a full view of the sunset.
Von Burn's wife is in her fourth year teaching science at the Saltonstall School in Salem.
"Obviously she is very much in our thoughts," said Saltonstall School Principal Julie Carter.
Some teachers offered their support by going to be with Teegan after the end of the school day, Carter said. The school has next week off, which will allow her to spend more time with what Carter said was her "strong family."
A commemorative book will be part of a memorial in Wesley's honor in the school library.
"(We will) do what we can to support her," Carter said.
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