On the evening of December 16, 2024, a quiet Monday in the town of New Milford, Connecticut, was shattered by the devastating news of a fatal car accident on Pickett District Road. Sixteen-year-old William “Will” Neeb, a promising student and athlete at New Milford High School, lost his life in the crash, leaving a profound sense of loss among his family, friends, and the entire community. The accident, which occurred around 8:00 p.m., involved a single vehicle, a GMC Acadia, which veered off the road and crashed through a fence. Police responded to the scene near 200 Pickett District Road and declared Neeb dead on arrival. The tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely death have sent shockwaves through New Milford, where Will was known not only for his exceptional skills as a hockey player and golfer but also for his kindhearted and vibrant personality.
According to the New Milford Police Department, the incident is still under investigation, with their Crash Reconstruction Team working diligently to determine the exact cause of the collision. Early reports suggest that the vehicle may have lost control before it left the road, but further details are pending as authorities continue to gather evidence. What remains clear, however, is the devastating impact of the tragedy on a tight-knit community that had embraced Will as one of its brightest stars.
Born and raised in New Milford, Will Neeb was the epitome of an all-American high school student. As a son, brother, and friend, he was deeply loved by those closest to him. His family has described him as a young man with a zest for life and a heart full of compassion. A standout athlete, Will was a proud member of the New Milford Green Wave Ice Hockey team, where he played with unmatched passion and skill. In addition to his prowess on the ice, Will was a champion golfer, having earned the title of Connecticut’s Division 1 High School Golf Champion. Balancing academics, athletics, and his social life, Will exemplified the potential and promise of youth, making his sudden death all the more heartbreaking.
The news of Will’s passing spread quickly throughout the New Milford community, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from those who knew him. On Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the accident, members of the New Milford Green Wave Ice Hockey team held a poignant memorial service at the crash site. Dozens of student-athletes, coaches, and supporters gathered to honor their fallen teammate, forming a somber procession that made its way to the location on Pickett District Road. Many wore Green Wave hockey jerseys and carried hockey sticks as a tribute to Will, whose jersey number, 12, had become a symbol of his legacy.
In an emotional display of solidarity, the students placed their hockey sticks on the damaged fence where the vehicle had come to rest. Each stick bore messages of love, remembrance, and farewell for Will, a testament to the profound impact he had on his teammates and friends. “We wanted to show him how much he meant to us,” said one teammate, fighting back tears. “Will wasn’t just a great player; he was the heart of our team. He inspired us every time he stepped onto the ice.”
The loss of Will Neeb has resonated far beyond the walls of New Milford High School. Local businesses, community members, and even those who had never met Will have expressed their condolences, recognizing the magnitude of the loss. All Aboard Pizzeria and Ice Cream Parlor, a local favorite frequented by students, shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Our deepest condolences to the entire Neeb family, friends, and all of Will’s teammates. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.”
Will’s coaches have also spoken about the profound void left by his passing. “Will was not just a talented athlete; he was a leader,” said Green Wave Ice Hockey head coach Michael Relyea. “He had a way of bringing people together, of lifting everyone’s spirits even in tough times. Losing him is an unimaginable loss for our team and for our school.”
While the investigation into the crash continues, the focus of the community remains on honoring Will’s memory and supporting his family during this painful time. Plans for a formal memorial service and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon, with the family expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received. “We are heartbroken,” the Neeb family said in a statement. “Will was our everything—our light, our joy. We are grateful for the love and kindness that so many have shown us, and we ask for privacy as we navigate this devastating loss.”
As the town of New Milford comes to terms with the tragedy, questions linger about the circumstances of the accident. Was the crash the result of a momentary lapse in judgment, adverse road conditions, or an unforeseen mechanical failure? For now, these questions remain unanswered, leaving a sense of unease alongside the grief. What is certain, however, is the enduring legacy that Will leaves behind.
To his teammates, Will was a source of inspiration, a player who gave his all on the ice and encouraged others to do the same. To his coaches, he was a leader whose determination and work ethic set the standard for excellence. To his friends, he was a confidant and a source of laughter, always ready with a kind word or a joke to brighten their day. And to his family, he was a beloved son and brother whose absence is felt with every passing moment.
The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about road safety and the challenges faced by young drivers. Advocates for safer driving practices have called for increased education and resources to help prevent accidents like the one that claimed Will’s life. Local officials have pledged to review the conditions on Pickett District Road to determine whether improvements can be made to enhance safety for all drivers.
In the days and weeks to come, the community will continue to mourn Will’s loss, finding ways to celebrate his life even as they grapple with the pain of his absence. Fundraisers and scholarship initiatives are already being discussed, with many suggesting that a scholarship in Will’s name could serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy. “Will was a role model, on and off the ice,” said one community member. “Creating a scholarship in his honor would be a way to ensure that his spirit lives on, helping other students pursue their dreams just as he did.”
The crash on Pickett District Road has left an indelible mark on New Milford, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. For the Neeb family, the days ahead will undoubtedly be filled with sorrow, but they will not walk this path alone. The outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers has shown that Will’s life, though tragically cut short, touched the hearts of many.
As the investigation into the accident progresses, the community of New Milford will continue to honor the memory of William Neeb, a young man whose talent, kindness, and passion left an enduring impression on all who knew him. Though his life was brief, his impact was profound, a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the bonds of love and friendship can provide solace and strength. For those who knew Will, his legacy will live on in the memories they cherish and the lessons they carry forward, a testament to a life well-lived, even in its brevity.
