Darek Harvey, Beloved Teen Athlete, Tragically Dies in Charlemont Crash at Age 20
The close-knit community of Charlemont is in mourning following the tragic death of 20-year-old Darek Harvey, a former student-athlete at Brattleboro Union High School. Darek was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Burrington Road early Friday morning, November 8, 2025, around 4:45 a.m.
The crash remains under investigation by the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Darek’s vehicle left the road and collided with a tree, catching fire shortly afterward. The heartfelt tributes from his family, friends, and community paint a picture of a young man with a zest for life and a passion for sports.
His mother, Heidi Hier, expressed her heartbreak on social media, describing Darek as not only her son but her best friend and “partner in crime.” She shared, “These past few days have been the hardest of my entire life… My heart is broken into a million pieces.”
Known for his spirited approach to life and sports, Darek excelled as the goaltender for the Brattleboro Union High School ice hockey team. One of his most memorable moments came in February 2022, when he made an unforgettable leg save to secure a victory against Middlebury.
Darek’s community is rallying in his memory. A small memorial at the crash site features two crossed hockey sticks, a tribute to his love for the sport and the deep sorrow felt by those who knew him. His friend, Matthew Gordon-Macey, spoke of Darek’s uplifting personality, saying, “Being a goalie can be a lonely position, but I always felt at home with Harvey… we always had each other’s back.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses, quickly raising nearly $6,000 of its $9,000 goal, showcasing the far-reaching impact Darek had on the lives around him.
Darek’s memory will live on through the love and support of his family, friends, and community, who find solace in the profound mark he left on their hearts. May he rest in peace.
Related