Stoughton High School mourns senior student

STOUGHTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- The town of Stoughton is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old high school senior who was shot and killed by his brother.

Authorities said 17-year-old David Wade was shot and killed by his 21-year-old brother in the basement of their home. Investigators said David’s brother recently got his gun license and the shooting may have been accidental.

David was a senior at Stoughton High School, his brother graduated a few years ago.

Investigators said the shooting happened Saturday afternoon. Family members were home at the time. Police said another brother performed emergency first aid while David’s mother and the brother who fired the gun called 911.

Authorities said the weapon legally belonged to a family member.

“A lot of people crying, teachers upset,” said one student.

People who knew David said he was a popular student who not only played football for the school, but was also a member of the school’s track and field and cheerleading teams.

Superintendent Maguerite Rizzi released a statement, saying in part: “Our seniors have lost a classmate, and our football team, a teammate. Numerous teachers have had David in their classes over the years and will feel this loss personally.”

Grief counselors will be available at the school all week, both during and after school hours.