NARRAGANSETT — An 18-year-old man found bleeding near his family’s home Thursday night died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to the state medical examiner’s office.

A friend found Chad O’Brien, of Starr Drive, beside the road with a head wound around 10:30 p.m. Thursday. A handgun was recovered nearby.

O’Brien, the grandson of South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia, was taken to South County Hospital and died at Rhode Island Hospital. The police say the incident is not considered suspicious.

Narragansett Police Chief J. David Smith would not say whether the gun belonged to Vespia. He said forensic tests were under way.

O’Brien was a popular figure in Narragansett, where he was an honor student and athlete at the high school until his graduation in June. He was a freshman at the University of Rhode Island.

News of his death rippled through the community late last week. Narragansett High School offered counseling to current and former students Friday, Saturday and yesterday. Additional counseling will be available for adults, as well as students, today and next Monday, Principal Daniel Warner said.

“They’re shocked. He seemed like he had it all going for him,” Warner said.

An all-state football player and runner, O’Brien earned a reputation as a solid student and leader who was well-liked by teachers as well as his peers for his down-to-earth nature, Warner said.

“He was a big presence in school. … It’s just so unexplainable,” Warner said.

Calling hours will be 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1111 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Point Judith Road, Narragansett.

A public prayer service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at the employee section of The Dunes Club beach in Narragansett.