'Semper Fi, My Friend': US Marine, 68, ID'd As Victim Killed In Putnam Highway Crash 'Semper Fi, My Friend': US Marine, 68, ID'd As Victim Killed In Putnam Highway Crash
'Semper Fi, My Friend': US Marine, 68, ID'd As Victim Killed In Putnam Highway Crash Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed while walking along Route 44 this weekend as 68-year-old Leo Blain of Putnam, Connecticut. Blain was struck by a Ford Fusion around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, according to Connecticut State Police. Paramedics transported him to Day Kimball Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hugh MacKenzie posted a tribute on social media, describing Blain as a US Marine who deeply cared for others. “I am quite saddened to learn of the sudden passing of my friend Leo Blain, who was struck and killed by a car this evening in Putnam," MacKenzie wro…
CT's Second Female Governor Jodi Rell Dies At 78 CT's Second Female Governor Jodi Rell Dies At 78
CT's Second Female Governor Jodi Rell Dies At 78 Connecticut is mourning the loss of its second female governor, Jodi Rell, who died following a brief illness.  Rell, who served as the state's 87th governor from 2004 to 2011, died on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the age of 78 at a hospital in Florida following a short illness, CBS News reported.  Rell took office following the resignation of her predecessor, John G. Rowland, who pleaded guilty to corruption charges in 2004. She is the most recent Republican to serve as Connecticut's governor and spent her two terms expanding healthcare and childcare, strengthening ethics laws, and brin…
Gold Star Father ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Crash Gold Star Father ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Crash
Gold Star Father ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Crash The Massachusetts father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan died earlier this week after being hit by a car while on his way to deliver an award in his son's honor, his family said. Michael Demarsico, 63, of North Adams in Berkshire County, was crossing Route 8 to go to the Bounti-Fare restaurant in Adams on Sunday, Nov. 17, just after 5 p.m. when a car struck him, authorities said. Demarsico was pronounced dead in the back of an ambulance en route to Berkshire Medical Center, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. The driver of the car that hit Demarsico remained at the sce…
54-Year-Old Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Fiery Woodstock Crash 54-Year-Old Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Fiery Woodstock Crash
54-Year-Old Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Fiery Woodstock Crash Police in Connecticut have identified the man killed in a Windham County crash last month as a 54-year-old whose truck struck a pole and caught fire, authorities said. Craig David Laliberte, 54, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, was behind the wheel when his Ford F-350 veered off Route 198 in Woodstock, Windham County, just after 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, state police said. The truck was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified Laliberte after an autopsy, and police contacted his next of kin. It is…
43-Year-Old ID'd As Driver In Fiery Fatal Route 8 Crash 43-Year-Old ID'd As Driver In Fiery Fatal Route 8 Crash
43-Year-Old ID'd As Driver In Fiery Fatal Route 8 Crash Police have identified the driver who was killed last week after their truck left the road and burst into flames in Litchfield County.  Lester Y. Rivera-Santiago, age 43, of Waterbury, was killed on Tuesday, Nov. 12, just before 10:30 p.m. on Route 8 in Thomaston, Connecticut State Police said.  Rivera-Santiago was driving south on the highway about a mile north of exit 38 when his 2002 Dodge Ram went off the shoulder and crashed into the wire guardrail in the median. The truck burst into flames following the wreck, authorities said.  Paramedics pronounced him dead at the sc…
'Cherished Each, Every Moment': 22-Year-Old Killed In CT Crash Remembered For Love Of Family 'Cherished Each, Every Moment': 22-Year-Old Killed In CT Crash Remembered For Love Of Family
'Cherished Each, Every Moment': 22-Year-Old Killed In CT Crash Remembered For Love Of Family A 22-year-old Connecticut man killed in a car crash earlier this week was remembered as a talented athlete with a bright future, his family said. Jayden Gonzalez died when his car collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Baldwin and Lounsbury Streets in Waterbury around 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, according to authorities. The other driver remains in critical condition, though police have not provided updates. Original Report: 22-Year-Old Killed In Crash, Another Hospitalized Jayden, a Sacred Heart High School graduate, shone on the football field and carried his love of spor…
'Rarely Without A Smile': Navy Sailor Killed In CT Crash Remembered For His Faith, Friendship 'Rarely Without A Smile': Navy Sailor Killed In CT Crash Remembered For His Faith, Friendship
'Rarely Without A Smile': Navy Sailor Killed In CT Crash Remembered For His Faith, Friendship A 21-year-old man who was killed while riding his motorcycle in New London County last week is being remembered for the bright future he lost and the love he shared with his friends and family.  Elijah W. Hummel, of Groton, was found seriously wounded on Friday, Nov. 8, after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into an unoccupied, parked car in front of Midway Pizza, police said.  He later died of his injuries at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. Related: 21-Year-Old Motorcyclists Killed In Groton Crash Elijah was born in Iowa, where he learned to love the outdoors an…
Horror Icon, CT Legend Tony Todd Dies After Lengthy Illness Horror Icon, CT Legend Tony Todd Dies After Lengthy Illness
Horror Icon, CT Legend Tony Todd Dies After Lengthy Illness Tony Todd, the actor best known for his role in the "Candyman" films, died last week at his Los Angeles Home after a lengthy illness, his family said. He was 69.   Born in Washington, D.C. in 1954, Todd moved to Hartford during his childhood. He attended local schools, including Hartford Public High School, and was a member of Boy Scout Troop 450 at Mt. Calvary Church in Hartford's North End. A monumental loss for the horror community. Rest in Peace Tony Todd. pic.twitter.com/xbtMYRhsE5 — Blumhouse (@blumhouse) November 9, 2024 Todd's passion for acting led him to study at th…
CT Officer, Dad Of 2 Dies Unexpectedly: 'He Was Friend To Everyone He Met' CT Officer, Dad Of 2 Dies Unexpectedly: 'He Was Friend To Everyone He Met'
CT Officer, Dad Of 2 Dies Unexpectedly: 'He Was Friend To Everyone He Met' Police in Connecticut are mourning the death of an officer who died unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 8, while off duty.  Windsor Police Officer Louis “The Kidd” Clayton leaves behind two young daughters — 2-year-old Zendaya and 3-year-old Zola — his parents, and long-time girlfriend, Olivia.  Related: Former Windsor Police Chief Dies After Long Illness Windsor Police did not disclose how Clayton died, but the department said he was a dedicated and compassionate public servant.  "Officer Clayton served with dedication and honor, and this loss has profoundly affected our depart…
Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love'
Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' The longest-serving police chief in Connecticut history died last week at his home surrounded by his family, police in Hartford County said.  Former Windsor Police Chief Kevin C. Searles fought a long battle with dementia and died from the disease on Thursday, Nov. 7, his obituary said.  Searles worked for the Plainville Police Department, rising to the rank of detective, before taking the top cop job in Windsor in 1987. He held the position for 28 years.  He stepped down in December 2014 for medical reasons.  His family said he became a police officer because of …
Victim Hit, Killed In Crash ID'd As 87-Year-Old Woman Victim Hit, Killed In Crash ID'd As 87-Year-Old Woman
Victim Hit, Killed In Crash ID'd As 87-Year-Old Woman A Connecticut woman who was seriously hurt after being struck by a car on Friday, Nov. 8, has died, authorities said.  Patricia Brulotte, 87, was hit just after 5 p.m. in the area of Oakwood Avenue and St. James Street in West Hartford, police said. Paramedics took the West Hartford woman to an area hospital, where she later died.  The driver who hit her remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, West Hartford Police said.  Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.  Investigators ask anyone with information on the incident to contact West …
'Fly High': Father Of 3 ID'd As Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Fly High': Father Of 3 ID'd As Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'Fly High': Father Of 3 ID'd As Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash A 44-year-old Connecticut man was identified as the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash earlier this week, authorities said.  Heber Lopez, of Stamford in Fairfield County, was killed just after midnight on Thursday, Nov. 7, when his motorcycle hit a fence and tree on Long Ridge Road near Brook Run Lane, authorities said. He died at the scene, police said.  Multiple people posted he was nearly at his home when he crashed.  Original Report: Stamford Police Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash As police investigate what led up to the crash, family and friends have been sharing …
'She Had So Much Love To Give': Family Of Mom Found Dead At CT Home Want Answers 'She Had So Much Love To Give': Family Of Mom Found Dead At CT Home Want Answers
'She Had So Much Love To Give': Family Of Mom Found Dead At CT Home Want Answers Connecticut State Police are investigating the death of a mother of two found dead in a Middlesex County home last month.  Andrea Neyra, a 37-year-old Meriden woman, was found dead at a home in Middlefield on Saturday, Oct. 19, following a welfare check, authorities said.  Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine what caused her death, but her family is asking for the public's help to get answers.  Money raised through a GoFundMe will go to help her son and daughter and fund a legal inquiry into what led to her death.  We want to come together to celebrate t…
Boy, 5, Who Fell Into Connecticut River Has Died; Police ID Him Boy, 5, Who Fell Into Connecticut River Has Died; Police ID Him
Boy, 5, Who Fell Into Connecticut River Has Died; Police ID Him The 5-year-old boy who fell into the Connecticut River in Middlesex County last week while kayaking has died, authorities said.  Jaxon Podbielski, of Higganum, was kayaking with an adult and fell into the water around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 26, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. It's unclear how long he remained in the water before his father pulled him out.  WTNH reported the child suffered pediatric cardiac arrest when he was pulled from the water. Original Report: 5-Year-Old In Critical Condition Following Kayaking Mishap Haddam paramedics …
Man, 64, ID'd As Victim Killed In Industrial Incident Man, 64, ID'd As Victim Killed In Industrial Incident
Man, 64, ID'd As Victim Killed In Industrial Incident Police in Fairfield County have identified the 64-year-old Connecticut man killed in an industrial incident on Wednesday, Oct. 30, authorities said.  Gary Deleo was assisting a customer at D&D Industries at 124 Magee Ave. in Stamford when he was struck by a front-end loader, authorities said Thursday.  Original Report: 64-Year-Old Man Killed After Being Struck By Front-End Loader The driver, 28-year-old Jake Sangalli, cooperated with officers and remained at the scene of the crash, Stamford Police said.  Paramedics rushed Deleo to Stamford Hospital, where he died o…
Hundreds Take Part In Funeral For Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze: 'He Had Heart Of Gold' Hundreds Take Part In Funeral For Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze: 'He Had Heart Of Gold'
Hundreds Take Part In Funeral For Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze: 'He Had Heart Of Gold' Mourners lined the roads leading to the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford on Monday, Oct. 28, to pay their respects to Robert "Sharkey" Sharkevich Sr. His casket was carried by a fire engine that was preceded by a cadre of police vehicles. His casket, draped in an American flag, was carried to its final resting place by his family and the firefighters who served alongside him.  Sharkevich Sr., age 66, was a lifelong firefighter. He served with the Hartford Fire Department for 25 years and the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years.  Related Re…
Friends Remember Man Killed In Crash: 'You Were Finally In A Good Place' Friends Remember Man Killed In Crash: 'You Were Finally In A Good Place'
Friends Remember Man Killed In Crash: 'You Were Finally In A Good Place' A 33-year-old Connecticut man was ID'd as the victim of a fatal crash that sent 4 people to the hospital over the weekend in New London County, authorities said.  Jason Poirier was involved in a two-car crash at the Colman Street and Broad Street intersection in New London on Saturday, Oct. 26, just before midnight, police said.  The New London man was one of four people rushed to hospitals, but Poirier succumbed to his injuries at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital on Monday, Oct. 28. The crash remains under investigation.  Poirier's friends have filled social media with me…
'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'Gone Too Soon': Friends Mourn 23-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash Loved ones of a Connecticut man killed in a crash on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 24, said he was a caring, funny, and loving young man. Peter Bienasz, of Plainville in Hartford County, was riding behind a Toyota Prius on Route 72 near the I-84 on-ramp, when he crashed into the back of the car, causing him to slam into a metal guardrail around 12:14 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, Connecticut State Police said. He was tossed from his bike and died at the scene.  Original Report: Police Detail Crash That Killed 23-Year-Old Motorcyclist Facebook/Peter Bienasz Memorials poured in on social medi…
7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Fire ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Fire ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family
7-Year-Old Girl Killed In Fire ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family A Connecticut fire department said it has been overwhelmed with donations for the family of a 7-year-old New London County girl who was killed in a house fire last week, but their needs remain.  Rylee Boldizar was killed when a fire broke out at her family's home at 83 Summit Street in Norwich before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Firefighters found the girl in her bedroom on the second floor.  Original Report: 7-Year-Old Norwich Girl Killed In House Fire While her three siblings and parents survived the blaze, they lost everything.  The Norwich Fire Department began…
2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man 2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man
2 Killed In Fiery Crash ID'd As 39-Year-Old Woman, 59-Year-Old Man Connecticut police have identified the man and woman who were killed after their car crashed into a tree and burst into flames earlier this month in Hartford County.  Tiffany Cormier, age 39, and Russell "Russ" Bunn, 59, both of Bristol, were identified as the victims in a single-vehicle crash at 61 Johnnycake Mountain Road in Burlington just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, Connecticut State Police said. Original Report: 2 Killed After Car Careens Off Road Into Tree Police said Cormier was behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus that veered onto the shoulder of the road for an unk…
'He Had A Bright Future': Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'He Had A Bright Future': Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash
'He Had A Bright Future': Family Remembers 29-Year-Old Killed In Motorcycle Crash The family of a 29-year-old Connecticut man killed in a Fairfield County crash last week said he could "brighten any room with his smile." Rohith Gurumurthy died around 1 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, when he crashed his motorcycle at 1080 Atlantic St. in Bridgeport. Zaveriya Shaikh, who was a passenger on the bike, was also killed in the crash, authorities said.  Both Bridgeport residents died at the scene.  Gurumurthy graduated this year from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a degree in health informatics and had big dreams for his life, a GoFundMe for his family said.&…
Man Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver Remembered As Hardworking Dad, Grandfather Man Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver Remembered As Hardworking Dad, Grandfather
Man Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver Remembered As Hardworking Dad, Grandfather Family and friends of Richard Dupont said he was walking home from work when an alleged drunk driver crashed into him and killed him.  The 55-year-old Jewett City man was hit as he walked along River Road in Lisbon around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, Connecticut State Police said. Friends posted online he was walking home from his job at Walmart.  Original Report: Pedestrian Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver The Griswold High School alumni had recently started working at the superstore, and before that, he worked at Better Val-U for 28 years, according to his obituary. Rega…
88-Year-Old ID'd As Driver Killed In I-91 Crash With Work Truck 88-Year-Old ID'd As Driver Killed In I-91 Crash With Work Truck
88-Year-Old ID'd As Driver Killed In I-91 Crash With Work Truck Police have identified an 88-year-old Connecticut man as the driver who was killed when he crashed into a truck in Hartford County on Friday afternoon, Oct. 18.  William Higgins was driving south on Route 5 in Enfield when he left the road, went through a wooded grassy area onto I-91, and crashed into the truck around 2:30 p.m., Connecticut State Police said.  Paramedics rushed the Enfield man to Hartford Hospital, where he died of his wounds.  Responders also took the Lot and More work truck driver to the hospital for minor injuries.  Police are investigating the cras…
'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death 'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death
'Trusted Mentor, Loyal Friend': Community Grapples With Firefighter's Death A Connecticut community is preparing to bury one of its heroes after the longtime Fairfield County firefighter died earlier this week.  John "JB" Pyrek-Bennett, of Monroe, was just 55 when he died on Monday, Oct. 14, surrounded by his family at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, his obituary said. His wife of 29 years and three children survive him. Bennett spent his life giving back to his community, his family said. He served as assistant chief of the Glenbrook Fire Department in Stamford and was a lifetime member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department.…
Man Fatally Injured In Scooter Crash ID'd As 68-Year-Old Man Fatally Injured In Scooter Crash ID'd As 68-Year-Old
Man Fatally Injured In Scooter Crash ID'd As 68-Year-Old A 68-year-old Connecticut man who was seriously injured last week in a scooter crash in New London County has died of his wounds, authorities said.  Raymond Getty, of New London, was involved in a two-scooter crash on Wednesday, Oct. 9, on Broad Street near the Cedar Grove cemetery entrance just before 11 a.m., authorities said.  Police found the man lying on the road with severe injuries, and paramedics rushed him to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, where doctors attempted to save his life. However, they were unable to, and he died there on Friday, Oct. 11, New London polic…
Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In CT Rollover Crash On I-91 Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In CT Rollover Crash On I-91
Semi-Pro Football Player Killed In CT Rollover Crash On I-91 A 22-year-old man who was a star running back for a Connecticut semi-pro football team was killed after crashing his car on I-91 in Hartford County, authorities said.  Davian Andrew Pallotto, of Prospect in New Haven County, died after he rolled his 2007 Cadillac CTS around 11:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, Connecticut State Police said.  Pallotto was driving north on I-91 when he veered across a lane of traffic onto a grassy median, where the car lost control near Exit 23 and began to tumble, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Pallotto played running …
'Words Can't Express This Pain': Woman Killed In Trumbull Crash Remembered As Beloved Friend 'Words Can't Express This Pain': Woman Killed In Trumbull Crash Remembered As Beloved Friend
'Words Can't Express This Pain': Woman Killed In Trumbull Crash Remembered As Beloved Friend Friends and family of a 40-year-old Connecticut woman who was killed earlier this week when the car she was riding in crashed into a stone wall say she was kind, caring, and effortlessly cool.  Marie Nieves, of Bridgeport, died on Friday, Oct. 11, in a single-car crash on Route 8 in Trumbull, Connecticut State Police said.  Investigators say the Mercedes she was in suddenly veered onto the grassy shoulder near Exit 6 around 11 a.m. before crashing into the wall. The driver, a 60-year-old Bridgeport man, was seriously injured in the crash.  Paramedics rushed them both to …
Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child
Mom Killed In Suspected DUI Crash Had Announced She Was Pregnant With Second Child A 26-year-old Connecticut mother killed last week by a suspected intoxicated driver is being remembered for her sense of humor, her faith, and compassion for her friends and family.  Jada "Jay" Marie Upshaw was killed in a chain-reaction crash on I-91 in Rocky Hill in Hartford County around 8:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, Connecticut Police said.  Original Report: Jada Upshaw Killed In Multi-Car Crash In Rocky Hill Jay leaves behind a young daughter, and, according to a Facebook post she made last month, the Bloomfield native was pregnant with her second child — a baby boy du…
Ethel Kennedy, Who Went From Greenwich To Head Of Nation's Most Famous Family, Dies At 96 Ethel Kennedy, Who Went From Greenwich To Head Of Nation's Most Famous Family, Dies At 96
Ethel Kennedy, Who Went From Greenwich To Head Of Nation's Most Famous Family, Dies At 96 Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of America's most famous political family, died Thursday, Oct. 10. She was 96.  Ethel Kennedy was wife to Robert "Bobby" Kennedy Sr., sister-in-law to President John F. Kennedy, and mother to 11 children, including former presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  She suffered a stroke at her home last week, her grandson, former Rep. Joe Kennedy said on X, formerly Twitter.  It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke su…
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report The body of a 37-year-old Connecticut woman found inside a Hartford County apartment has been identified as a mother of 2, NBC Connecticut reported.  Lisa Beebe was found on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Parkridge Condominiums at 1320 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. She leaves behind a young son and daughter, her obituary said.  Paramedics were called to her apartment after receiving a report of a medical emergency. Authorities have not said what that was, but police ruled the circumstances "suspicious," officials said at the time. Investigators do not believe there is an ongoin…
'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash 'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash
'We Are Devastated': Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Rollover Crash A 1-year-old baby in Connecticut was killed last week in a multi-car pile-up in Hartford County that sent several others to the hospital, authorities said.  Ella Salgado, of Meriden in New Haven County, was killed in the three-car crash on the Berlin Parkway just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, police said.  Several people in one of the vehicles were ejected when their vehicle rolled over. Multiple people in the car Ella was riding in were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police did not release an update on their conditions.  Ella was taken to the hospital, but doct…