Tragic death at Plainfield skate park

Plainfield (WTNH) - Friends and family are speaking out tonight after a 13-year-old boy died at a skate park in Plainfield.

Flowers and photos at the Plainfield Skate Park remember William Howard who was full of life and taken too soon.

"William was a great kid. He loved everybody and that boy would do anything for anybody," said Rick Sabourin, a family friend.

William died Saturday after trying a trick at the skate park. Witnesses say he was at the top of a ramp when he fell and struck his head. Rick Sabourin is his mother's boyfriend.

"We just thought it was something simple like stitches and we got to the hospital and got just the terrible news. We're just thankful for the whole family's support," said Sabourin.

At the time of the accident, Will was not wearing a helmet. But his family says because he may have broken his neck it may not have made a difference.

The park requires helmets. Matthew Bradgon often rides his bike there.

"To be truthful with you I wasn't all too surprised. It's bound to happen sometimes they enforced the rule when the skate park first got built and then for a while it didn't matter if you wore helmets or not," he said.

The skate park remains closed indefinitely as this community deals with this tragedy. Counselors were brought in to Sterling Memorial school where William was in eighth grade and co-anchored the morning announcements.

"Everybody knew him for his wit. He could even surprise adults sometimes," said William's uncle, Jacob Seaman.

Now they find comfort in the happiness he always seemed to share.

"He's looking down on everybody and saying, 'I'm with God now and rest with ease on it,'" Sabourin said.