FAIRHAVEN, MA — The town of Fairhaven and the Greater New Bedford school community are in mourning after the tragic death of Marin Stackpole, a vibrant 17-year-old whose life was cut short in a devastating car accident on Route 6 on the night of Saturday, June 29, 2025.
Marin, a rising senior at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, was the sole occupant of a Nissan Sentra that was involved in a multi-vehicle collision near Jeannette Street just after 9 p.m. Emergency responders arrived to find the vehicle had suffered catastrophic damage. Marin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two others involved in the crash sustained minor injuries. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the incident, and as of now, no cause has been publicly determined.
What remains tragically certain is the immense and irreplaceable loss of a young woman who meant the world to those around her.
Marin Stackpole was more than just a student—she was a beloved daughter, sister, teammate, coworker, and friend. Known for her radiant smile and effortless warmth, Marin lit up every room she entered. Her classmates and teachers describe her as bright, hardworking, and full of life, a young woman with dreams as wide as the world and a heart big enough to hold everyone in it.
“She lights up a room. She’s my best friend in the whole world and I can’t believe she’s gone,” said Jaylen Lussier, a close friend.
Marin was actively involved in school life, most notably as a member of the vocational high school’s volleyball team. Her competitive spirit and camaraderie on the court reflected her ability to lift others up—not just in games, but in life. She also worked two summer jobs, splitting her time between Cisco Brewery and Nick’s Pizza, a testament to her strong work ethic and drive.
Earlier on the day of the crash, Marin had visited Fort Phoenix, one of her favorite local spots. She had spent the evening taking photos with the sunset—one of countless small, beautiful moments she seemed to treasure. It’s a lasting image that now serves as a poignant reflection of the joy and peace she brought into the world.
Marin’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. A growing roadside memorial has formed near the crash site, filled with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes from loved ones. Online, tributes flood social media with stories, memories, and photos celebrating a girl who left her mark in quiet, powerful ways.
An online fundraiser describes her as “loving, beautiful, and unique in her style,” adding that her personality was as colorful and open-hearted as the sunsets she loved.
She is survived by her parents, Evan and Penni Stackpole, and her older brother Ian, who now face an unimaginable loss. The Stackpole family, admired in Fairhaven for their closeness and warmth, is being embraced by a community now holding them in collective grief and support.
“Marin always brought a special light and joy to her family that was beautiful to see and be around,” the fundraiser reads. “She was a free spirit who touched so many lives.”
In the coming days, the community will gather to remember Marin not just for how she died, but for how she lived—with courage, laughter, and unshakable kindness.
Rest in peace, Marin Stackpole. Your spirit lives on in the hearts you’ve touched, and in every sunset that paints the sky with your light