Xavier Community, Friends Mourn '10 Grad Abely, Killed in Weekend Crash

The Xavier community is today mourning the loss of 2010 graduate Colter J. Abely of Middletown, 20, who died early Saturday when his car hit a tree on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Westfield, killing him instantly.

On Aug. 18, Westfield State Troopers responded to a fatal car crash on the westbound side of Route 90. Abely, driving a 2008 Toyota Yaris, lost control of the car and drove off the shoulder of the roadway. Speed was a factor, police report, on the wet roadway.

On the Connecticut Wrestling Online Facebook page, the most recent post is about the former Xavier varsity wrestling team member.

"A rough day in Middletown," it reads. "Colter Abely, 20, a former Xavier High wrestler who graduated from the school in June 2010, died on early Saturday morning (Aug. 18) when he was involved in an auto accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Westfield, Mass. More information can be found at the

Dozens of friends have posted remembrances on Colter's Facebook page, including Xavier Athletic Trainer Bill Keefe, who wrote, "It seems like it was just the other day that you came by X to visit and see how things were going. When you were a student at X and even after you graduated, no matter how bad of a day you were having, you were always laughing, joking around, and just being yourself; you truly were one of a kind."

"I enjoyed the many conversations we had during your time at X and even after — whether it was during wrestling season or just coming by to say hello. It is sad that you had to leave us at such a young age, but even with your 20 years, you left such impact on the many people you have met. You will forever be missed ..."

The crash is under investigation by Troop E of the Massachusetts State Police and State Police.