LEICESTER, Mass. - Leicester High School football coach Tim Griffiths said he’ll remember Elijah Pye for his smile.

“His smile’s infectious," Griffiths said. "It isn’t like coach speak or after the fact saying this. He was just genuinely a good kid.” 


What You Need To Know

  • Elijah Pye passed away following a crash on I-290 in Northborough on Sunday
  • Massachusetts State Police said a passenger, also a 20-year-old from Leicester, is in the hospital being treated with serious injuries
  • Pye's high school football coach Tim Griffiths described his smile as infectious, saying it would light up a room
  • Police are investigating the cause of the crash

The 20-year-old Pye died following a crash on I-290 in Northborough on Sunday morning.

Massachusetts State Police are investigating, but say Pye drove off the road and crashed into several trees near exit 30A. A passenger in the vehicle, identified as another 20-year-old from Leicester, is being treated at UMass Memorial Medical Center with serious injuries.

“The whole situation is gross,” Griffiths said. “We’ve seen it in other towns, unfortunately, and it’s never easy. Having kids myself, I think it hurts. Oh my god, the poor Pye family. They’re beautiful people.”

Pye graduated from Leicester High in 2020. He played football and basketball. 

The district released a statement on social media, saying they are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elijah.

A GoFundMe page says: “Eli has touched so many people in his short life and will be remembered for that great big smile. He was an outstanding young man, and I am thankful for knowing him.”

“This is a tough one,” Griffiths said. “They’re all tough, but he was such a good kid. It’s just wrong.”