Central Catholic senior killed two days before graduation

By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com Updated:05/20/2009 09:14:01 PM EDT

METHUEN — A Central Catholic High School senior was killed just two days before graduation Wednesday after he car slid off a road in Methuen and struck a tree.

Police said Rebecca Solomon, 18, of Methuen, was driving southbound when she lost control of her Chevrolet Malibu about 8 a.m., and slid sideways off the right side of the road in front of 168 Hampstead St.

The driver’s side of the car slid into a large tree, police said.

Solomon, who was alone, suffered massive head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene by Methuen firefighters, police said.

Methuen police reconstructed the accident, and continue to investigate.

All athletic events involving Central Catholic teams were canceled on Wednesday. Solomon played on the softball team.

Principal David Defillippo could not immediately be reached.

The school’s 321 seniors are scheduled to graduate at 7 p.m. on Friday in the school gymnasium. A baccalaureate Mass is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary Church in Lawrence.