The Lowell, Massachusetts community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Wichai Saksene, a 15-year-old Lowell High School freshman who was tragically killed in a fatal shooting in Salem, New Hampshire.
Authorities identified Wichai as the victim of a homicide that occurred during the early morning hours in Salem. According to the Office of New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, police officers responding to a 911 call discovered the teenager outside a residence on Orchard Terrace before dawn. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Wichai was pronounced dead. An autopsy later confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, and his death was officially ruled a homicide.
Investigators have stated that the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation. Authorities have emphasized that all involved parties have been identified and that there is currently no known threat to the public.
As law enforcement agencies continue their work, family members, friends, classmates, and educators are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
Wichai was a freshman at Lowell High School and previously attended Stoklosa Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School. The tragedy has deeply affected the Lowell Public Schools community, prompting officials to activate a critical incident response team to provide counseling and support services for students and staff.
At just 15 years old, Wichai was at the beginning of his high school journey—building friendships, exploring new opportunities, and looking forward to a future filled with promise. Those aspirations were tragically cut short, leaving his family and community grappling with profound grief and unanswered questions.
The loss has reverberated far beyond the classroom, impacting teachers, counselors, classmates, and all who knew him. Community members continue to express condolences and rally around his loved ones during this devastating time.
As the investigation continues, the Lowell High School community remains united in mourning and remembrance, honoring Wichai Saksene as a beloved son, student, and friend whose memory will not be forgotten.
