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Danbury resident Liam Declan Devine, 17, was driving west on I-84 shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 near Exit 9 in Newtown when he lost control of his vehicle, Connecticut State Police said. Devine traveled through the grass out of control, over an embankment and into a tree.
When Devine struck the tree, his vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Devine was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders, who found him still inside the car.
An honor student at Immaculate High School in Danbury, Devine was described as very active in clubs and volunteer work, according to his obituary. He received many merit awards for academic performance and was recognized as Gifted and Talented by the State of Connecticut by the age of 11.
“Liam was an avid sports fan, and passionately followed the New England Patriots, the New York Yankees, and the Toronto Raptors," according to his obituary. "He loved to play basketball, both with friends and at home where he could be found practicing his dribbling and shooting, often playing with his mother or sister.
"At the time of his death, he had already been accepted into college, planning a career in sports journalism and analytics.”
Services have been scheduled for Devine, with calling hours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Green Funeral Home on Main Street in Danbury. A Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 at St. Gregory the Great Church on Great Plain Road in Danbury.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Connecticut State Police Troop A by calling (203) 267-2240.
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