Teenager who died in Yarmouth crash remembered for his love of sports and sailing

When Troop 38’s Scoutmaster, Gary Martin, thinks of 14-year-old John Hughan, he remembers returning home from a camping trip in Maine with other Scouts.

He said Hughan was full of energy, thoughtfulness and conversation during the trip.

“He was always eager to share his ideas and learn from other people’s ideas. He loved meeting new people,” Martin said.

Family members created: John W. Hughan Foundation to support music, athletics and youth service activities following the deaths of the boy and his uncle from injuries sustained in a roadside accident in Yarmouth in August.

The foundation will support activities that Norwell resident Hughan loves. On Aug. 30, Hughan and his uncle were killed when an SUV crashed into their boat trailer. Cornelius Allen BottomleyThe 54-year-old from Hanover was examined for a broken axle. bottomley died on September 13 According to a statement from the Yarmouth Police Department.

Authorities allege 81-year-old Peter Richmond rear-ended a 2020 Cadillac Escalade into a trailer. Richmond faces two counts of motor vehicle homicide for negligent operation. Richmond does not have a hearing date, according to Yarmouth Patrol Officer Nicholas Giammarco.

“Currently the charges have been filed in Barnstable District Court for hearing. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, a hearing may or may not be held,” Giammarco said.

Both Hughan and Bottomley loved Cape Cod

Posted photo after photo John Hughan’s obituary page, the teenager can be seen sailing the waters of Cape Cod or enjoying the Cape beaches with his family.

“Weekends were filled with family days out, often speedboating to Hyannis, Nantucket, or just wandering around the Bass River,” Hughan’s obituary read. “John spent most days on the water and always smiled.”

Chatham Yacht Club Coxswain Instructor Chad Bartlett taught Hughan how to sail a small two-man boat called a 420 sailboat.

He said those at the club who knew Hughan were “devastated” by his death.

“John was very happy to be at sailing school last summer. He always walks around with a smile and always goes out of his way to make everyone’s day brighter. He was a capable sailor and extremely willing to learn,” Bartlett said.

“His positive attitude was matched by his friendliness and kindness to every child in the class, and I can safely say that he made life as an educator much easier,” she said.

Hughan had a natural talent for music and playing the trumpet. He also loved lacrosse and football.

Bottomley, vice president of treasury and financial operations at Granite Telecommunications in Quincy, could also be found frequently on the Cape. According to the obituary.

“His favorite activities included boating on Cape Cod, skiing in Vermont, and sitting happily in front of a nice fire at home with his family,” his obituary read.

Bottomley was born in Boston and spent most of his life working in Plymouth and Quincy, including as director of operations for his family’s company, Evaluation Associates in Plymouth.

Family and friends will finish Hughan’s Eagle Scout project

Hughan was involved in the Boy Scouts and was studying to become a senior patrol member of Troop 38 in Hanover, Martin said.

“He would have been a great leader as he was well-liked and respected by the other members of the Corps,” Martin said.

Martin said Hughan was also studying to become an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, he chose to build an outdoor classroom at Norwell Middle School. He said the first phase of his project has already been approved by Norwell Public Schools. The Norwell community, Troop 38 and Hughan’s family will finish the job as a tribute to Hughan, he said.

“He was clear and confident about his goals. And there’s a huge push to get this project done,” Martin said.

Martin said Hughan will also receive the Spirit of the Eagle award posthumously.

“His death was shocking and difficult to understand,” Martin said. “He was such a kid, he had such a bright light.”

Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. reach out to him [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

Thank you to our subscribers who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a subscription to the Cape Cod Times.Here are our subscription plans.