A high school student from Maine died unexpectedly Saturday, two days after having surgery to remove his wisdom teeth.
"Benjamin LaMontagne's mother found him not breathing on Saturday morning at their home in Long Island. Well, police responded, they tried to revive him, but they couldn't." (Via WHDH)
LaMontagne's parents believe the surgery to be the cause of death, but autopsy reports were inconclusive. Further tests will be conducted.
Such serious complications from the fairly common procedure are so rare, dental professor Dr. Thomas Dodson says the death rate can't even be measured. (Via WTIC)
But LaMontagne's parents want the focus to be on his life, not his death, according to the Portland Press Herald. His father said, “If anybody could say they had a complete life after 18 short years, it was Benjamin, which makes it all the more painful to have him taken from us so soon."
He is remembered as a promising musician who was friendly to everyone. A reporter for local station WCSH spoke with Ben's best friend:
"He was so loving and welcoming to everyone. I've never seen him anything but gracious. ... People are just flabbergasted. They just can't believe it." (Via WCSH)
LaMontagne's high school held a prayer service on Sunday to remember him. He was also a member of the school's sailing team.
"Students and teachers there say LaMontagne was a wonderful kid and they were devastated when they heard the news.
PATSY FOWLER: "I was sick to my stomach. ... He was such a good kid and so much a part of people's lives." (ViaWGME)
LaMontagne was planning to attend Gettysburg College in the fall to study bass clarinet. His family scheduled a funeral for Friday.
