CT Art Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Middle School Says CT Art Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Middle School Says
CT Art Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Middle School Says A Connecticut middle school art teacher died unexpectedly over the weekend, school authorities announced to the community.  Saxe Middle School Teacher Alyssa Iwanski died this weekend, Bryan D. Luizzi, Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools said in an email to parents on Sunday, Jan. 12.  He did not disclose when or how Iwarnski died. It's unclear how long she worked at the New Canaan middle school.  It is with deep sadness that I share the unexpected passing of one of our teachers, Saxe Art Teacher Alyssa Iwanski, over the weekend. We do not have additio…
CT Community Rallies After Coyote Attack Leaves Family Dog Fighting For Its Life CT Community Rallies After Coyote Attack Leaves Family Dog Fighting For Its Life
CT Community Rallies After Coyote Attack Leaves Family Dog Fighting For Its Life A routine evening for a Connecticut family turned into a nightmare when their beloved dog, Piper, was attacked by a pack of coyotes, nearly killing the four-year-old Cairn Terrier and saddling her owners with thousands in veterinary bills. But a fundraiser has the community chipping in to help Piper recover.  Maggie Bourgoin, of West Hartford, said she let the family dog out to use the bathroom as usual around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Nothing seemed amiss until the phone rang. "I got a call from my neighbor across the street asking if Piper was outside because they heard crying nois…
CT Boy Dies After 18-Day Battle With Cancer: Remembering Lucas DeLaurentis CT Boy Dies After 18-Day Battle With Cancer: Remembering Lucas DeLaurentis
CT Boy Dies After 18-Day Battle With Cancer: Remembering Lucas DeLaurentis A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering the unimaginable: the death of a child.  The DeLaurentis family of Trumbull lost their son, Lucas, 8, after an 18-day battle with leukemia on Sunday, Dec. 29, a GoFundMe for them said. But despite his young age, Lucas leaves a legacy that will survive for years.  His spirit, kindness, and strength were beyond measure, and he made his parents very proud. His unyielding resilience and courage carried him through to the very end. Lucas will forever be our hero, and his presence will always remain with us. His loved on…
Woman Killed In CT Hit-Run Crash 'Lived For Her Daughters': Remembering Andrea 'AJ' Sherman Woman Killed In CT Hit-Run Crash 'Lived For Her Daughters': Remembering Andrea 'AJ' Sherman
Woman Killed In CT Hit-Run Crash 'Lived For Her Daughters': Remembering Andrea 'AJ' Sherman A 46-year-old mother of two who was killed in a multi-car hit-and-run crash earlier this week is being remembered for her compassion, selflessness, and deep love for her family and friends. Andrea “AJ” Sherman died shortly after 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, in a crash on Baldwin Street in Waterbury. The collision sent two others to the hospital and has police searching for a third driver who fled the scene before officers arrived. Related: Police Search For Jeep Involved In Fatal Waterbury Hit-And-Run Crash As word of her death spread on social media, tributes poured in for the devoted …
Community Rallies Around Family Who Lost Everything In CT Blaze Community Rallies Around Family Who Lost Everything In CT Blaze
Community Rallies Around Family Who Lost Everything In CT Blaze A fire early this week destroyed a family of five’s home and everything inside. Now, the community has stepped up to help them rebuild. Firefighters were called to a house fire around 3:15 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at 25 Howard Ave. in Southington. A light fixture in the basement sparked, sending flames through the home. Original Report: 'Mayday' — Heavy Smoke Forces Firefighters Out of Burning Home The home was a total loss, but the five people inside escaped without injury. Jeremi Bobbitt, one of the displaced, created a GoFundMe to help replace some of the things they lost in the blaze…
Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee
Woman Killed In CT House Fire Was 'Bright Star:' Remembering Fabbie Laramee Family and friends of a 26-year-old woman killed just days before Christmas in a Connecticut apartment fire are remembering her as a "vibrant and loving presence." Fabienne "Fabbie" Laramee died just before 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, when a Bridgeport home in the 300 block of Connecticut Avenue caught fire, authorities said. Original report: 1 Dead, Several Others Injured in Bridgeport Fire Three others were taken to a hospital for treatment, and eight people, including four children, were left homeless after the blaze, authorities said. The Red Cross is assisting those displaced. The ca…
National Guard Recruit, 19, ID'd As Victim Pinned Under Car, Left Critical In CT Bakery Crash National Guard Recruit, 19, ID'd As Victim Pinned Under Car, Left Critical In CT Bakery Crash
National Guard Recruit, 19, ID'd As Victim Pinned Under Car, Left Critical In CT Bakery Crash The 19-year-old man critically injured when a car slammed through the front of a Connecticut bakery last week has been identified by family as a National Guard recruit. Eric Fernandez was inside Rosa Vega Bakery in Torrington enjoying lunch when a 58-year-old man crashed his car through the front of the building around 11:45 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, according to a GoFundMe campaign and details previously reported by Daily Voice. Fernandez became pinned underneath the vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries.  After a lengthy extrication process, Fernandez was airlifted to the…
Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says
Young CT Father Of 3 Dies Unexpectedly: He Had 'Beautiful Heart And Soul,' Family Says A Connecticut family that had been preparing to celebrate the holidays is now struggling to cope with the unexpected death of a beloved father, son, uncle, and friend. David Shaw, a 32-year-old Middletown father of three, died on Dec. 10 after suffering from acute kidney and liver failure, his family said in his obituary. Along with his three children, he leaves behind his parents, stepfather, and sisters. David was best known for his beautiful blue eyes, unforgettable smile, and manners. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends, especially his children. David was always happy, goofy…
After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help
After Car Crashes Through CT Bakery's Front Door, Injuring 4, Community Rallies To Help A Connecticut community is rallying around a bakery that was destroyed after a car crashed through the storefront last week, sending four people to the hospital, including one with life-threatening injuries. Torrington police were called to Rosa Vega Bakery de Puerto Rico at 266 Main Street around 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, after a 58-year-old man crashed his car through the front of the building, authorities said. Gladys Medina, the 65-year-old mother of the bakery's owner, was taken to the hospital with burns after hot oil splashed onto her when the car hit the building, CT Insider re…
CT High School Junior Dies Suddenly, 16: Remembering Tommy Lowell CT High School Junior Dies Suddenly, 16: Remembering Tommy Lowell
CT High School Junior Dies Suddenly, 16: Remembering Tommy Lowell A Connecticut community is reeling after the unexpected death of a 16-year-old boy remembered as a cherished son, friend, and classmate. Now, many in the community are stepping up to help his grieving family navigate the unthinkable. Thomas "Tommy" Edward Lowell IV, who lived in East Windsor and Bristol before moving to Avon, where he was a high school junior, died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 9. His family wrote in his obituary on the Vincent Funeral Home website that he was known for his quick wit, love of silly jokes, and devotion to his cats, Milo and Ollie. “Whether shar…
CT Football Player Dies At Practice, Mom Pens Heartwrenching Post On Facebook: 'My Baby' CT Football Player Dies At Practice, Mom Pens Heartwrenching Post On Facebook: 'My Baby'
CT Football Player Dies At Practice, Mom Pens Heartwrenching Post On Facebook: 'My Baby' Two Connecticut communities have rallied around the family of a 14-year-old boy who collapsed and died while at a football practice last month. Jahkye Gayle, a freshman at Manchester High School who had transferred from Bloomfield High earlier in the school year, was known for his vibrant personality, love of football, and dedication to academics died on Wednesday, Nov. 27, after collapsing during a non-contact drill.  Jahkye's mother Stacey Haylett mourned him in a heartbreaking post on Facebook: 😞My baby my baby my babyyyy😢😢😢why you do this to mommy!🥺🥺🥺my heart is forever shattered!…
Retaliation Fears Quelled After Teen Friends Gunned Down Days Apart In CT Retaliation Fears Quelled After Teen Friends Gunned Down Days Apart In CT
Retaliation Fears Quelled After Teen Friends Gunned Down Days Apart In CT Two high school students in New Haven, both close friends, were fatally shot in targeted attacks just days apart, leaving a city and school community grappling with grief. Police are asking the victims' friends not to seek justice on their own and to allow authorities to find those responsible for the killings. The first victim, 16-year-old Uzziah Shell, was gunned down near Goffe Street on a Friday afternoon, Nov. 29. Daily Jackson, 17, was fatally shot 10 days later on Shelton Avenue, just blocks away. Both teens died at Yale New Haven Hospital. “The shootings of both these men do not ap…