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 Wethersfield Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze In Meridien Hundreds Take Part In Funeral For Wethersfield Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze In Meridien
Hundreds Take Part In Funeral For Wethersfield Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze In Meridien 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.&…
'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.…
Semi-Pro Football Player From Prospect Killed In Rollover Crash On I-91 Semi-Pro Football Player From Prospect Killed In Rollover Crash On I-91
Semi-Pro Football Player From Prospect Killed In 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 3 Jhoseline Nelson Dies, 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' Mom Of 3 Jhoseline Nelson Dies, 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others'
Mom Of 3 Jhoseline Nelson Dies, 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering after their matriarch, a mother of three boys, died late last month.  Jhoseline Nelson, of Trumbull, died surrounded by her family on Sept. 29, her obituary said.  The Westchester County native from Port Chester leaves behind three sons — ages 13, 11, and 6 — and a husband of 17 years, Raney Nelson Jr. She was known for her fierce love of her family, her openness to anyone in need, and her compassion, according to her obituary. "From her earliest days, she was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, a…
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': Meriden Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Crash 'We Are Devastated': Meriden Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike Crash
'We Are Devastated': Meriden Baby ID'd As Victim In Fatal Turnpike 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…
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Will Help 3 Others Live
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Will Help 3 Others Live Bella Trezza’s final act of generosity will help others live. Just days after the 17-year-old high school senior and aspiring nurse from Babylon was taken off life support following a car crash that killed two others, doctors removed her organs to help three strangers in need. An honor walk was held at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, before Trezza’s kidneys and liver were recovered, LiveOnNY confirmed to Daily Voice. Earlier Report: 'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled Long Island Intersection “Two women in their 30’s received her ki…
Enfield Dad Killed In Crash Remembered For Smarts, Heart: 'Your Laugh Will Echo In Our Hearts' Enfield Dad Killed In Crash Remembered For Smarts, Heart: 'Your Laugh Will Echo In Our Hearts'
Enfield Dad Killed In Crash Remembered For Smarts, Heart: 'Your Laugh Will Echo In Our Hearts' A 37-year-old Connecticut father and husband who was killed in a crash over the weekend is being remembered for his quick wit and love of his family and music.  Dan Jeannotte, of Enfield, was killed Sunday, Sept. 22, when his car veered off the Exit 40 ramp on I-91 in Windsor and hit a tree around 2:30 a.m. He died at the scene. Earlier Report: Enfield Man Killed In I-91 Crash The 2005 Enfield High School graduate leaves behind a wife and daughter along with many family and friends.  "He was the most caring and considerate friend I’ve had," Nate Silliman said in a message t…
Hiker Finds Missing Man Dead In His Truck Hiker Finds Missing Man Dead In His Truck
Hiker Finds Missing Man Dead In His Truck A 64-year-old Connecticut man who went missing earlier this week was found dead on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  Ronald Lavoie left his Hartford County home in East Windsor around 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, but did not return, his family told police.  A hiker called police on Wednesday morning to report they found a man dead and slumped over in a truck. Police responded to the area around 12:30 p.m. to find Lavoie in his Chevrolet Silverado. Police do not suspect foul play, but the death remains under investigation.  Police did not say exactly where they found Lavoie's body or how …
School System Promotes Mental Health After Student's Death: 'We Don't Worry Alone' School System Promotes Mental Health After Student's Death: 'We Don't Worry Alone'
School System Promotes Mental Health After Student's Death: 'We Don't Worry Alone' Leaders of a Connecticut school district announced a new effort to promote suicide prevention following the death of a 16-year-old Fairfield County high school senior.  Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools Bryan D. Luizzi thanked parents and students in an email on Sunday, Sept. 22, for the outpouring of support following the sudden death of Elliott Kropf, a senior at New Canaan High School.  Related: Memorial Service Set For Elliott Kropf; Parents Have Request For Mourners Kropf was hit and killed by a train on Saturday, Sept. 14, around 11:30 p.m. at the Talmadge Hi…
'Heart Full Of Kindness': State Police Chaplain Killed In Crash Remembered For His Compassion 'Heart Full Of Kindness': State Police Chaplain Killed In Crash Remembered For His Compassion
'Heart Full Of Kindness': State Police Chaplain Killed In Crash Remembered For His Compassion Dr. Rev. Paul Krampitz didn't look like a preacher, but his friends and colleagues said he was built for it.   Middlesex County resident Paul Krampitz, age 65, of Cromwell, was killed Thursday, Sept. 18, when a car crashed into his Harley Davidson motorcycle around 4:15 p.m. near Exit 33 on Route 9 in Berlin, Connecticut State Police said. Paramedics rushed him to New Britain Hospital, where he died of his injuries.  The crash is under investigation.  Krampitz, who went by the nickname Styx, was the Connecticut State Police chaplain, a preacher at Be…
'We're All Going To Miss Him': Norwalk Family Mourns Father Of 4's Sudden Death 'We're All Going To Miss Him': Norwalk Family Mourns Father Of 4's Sudden Death
'We're All Going To Miss Him': Norwalk Family Mourns Father Of 4's Sudden Death Dwight St. John came from a long line of Connecticut builders and developers, but his passion wasn't on solid ground, his sister Jill St. John said.  The 59-year-old lifelong Fairfield County resident could captain nearly any boat, he was quick with a joke and a laugh, and he loved to tool around on his Harley Davidson with a long-time buddy on nice days.  Dwight was struck while riding his bike on Saturday, Sept. 14, when a truck hit him as he crossed an intersection in his hometown of Norwalk. He died at Norwalk Hospital a short time later.  Original Report: Police …
Mom Of 2 Killed On Son's 8th Birthday Along With Father Of 5 In I-95 Crash Mom Of 2 Killed On Son's 8th Birthday Along With Father Of 5 In I-95 Crash
Mom Of 2 Killed On Son's 8th Birthday Along With Father Of 5 In I-95 Crash Police have identified the man and woman who were killed last week in a single-vehicle crash on I-95 in Connecticut.  Timothy Montague, age 36, and Lori-Lynn Botero, 34, both of New London, died on Friday night, Sept. 13, when Montague's truck clipped a guardrail at the Exit 87 off-ramp in Groton, struck a tree, and burst into flames, Connecticut State Police said.  They died at the scene. Police did not define Montague and Botero's relationship.  Original Report: Man, Woman Killed In Fiery Groton Crash Montague was a father of five, and Botero leaves behind …
CT Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Motorcycle Crash CT Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Motorcycle Crash
CT Man ID'd As Victim In Fatal Motorcycle Crash A Connecticut motorcyclist was hit and killed over the weekend, and police are asking to speak with witnesses.  Fairfield County resident Dwight Clifford St. John, of Norwalk, was hit on Saturday, Sept. 14, just after 5:30 p.m., Norwalk Police said.  A vehicle struck St. John near the intersection of Winfield Street and Pequot Drive. Paramedics rushed him to Norwalk Hospital, where he died of his injuries,  Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Authorities ask anyone with information or who may have witnessed the wreck to contact Officer Christopher…
'We Will Remember': Loved Ones Honor 4 CT Residents Killed In Plane Crash 'We Will Remember': Loved Ones Honor 4 CT Residents Killed In Plane Crash
'We Will Remember': Loved Ones Honor 4 CT Residents Killed In Plane Crash Communities across Connecticut are reeling following the death of four residents in a small airplane crash on Sunday, Sept. 8, as they returned home from a luncheon in Rhode Island.  The victims were:  Paul Pelletier, age 55, of Columbia, in Tolland County Frank Rodriquez, age 88, of Lebanon, in New London County Susan Van Ness, age 51, of Middletown, in Middlesex County Delilah Van Ness, age 15, of Middletown, in Middlesex County Pelletier was an aviation teacher at Middletown High School and Delilah Van Ness was his student. Susan Van Ness was Delilah's mother.  Ori…
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In New York Home Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In New York Home
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In New York Home James Earl Jones, the beloved actor and voice behind one of cinema's most memorable villains, died Monday, Sept. 9, at his home in Dutchess County, Variety reported.  The "Field of Dreams" star was 93. No cause of death was given.  Jones, a Pawling resident, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. From the Broadway stage, the silver screen, and a galaxy far, far away, the Mississippi-born actor had a range that few others could replicate.  He was a large man but could play gentle and meek characters, and his baritone voice could be calm and reassurin…
Friends Remember Men Killed In CT Boat Crash After Police ID Victims Friends Remember Men Killed In CT Boat Crash After Police ID Victims
Friends Remember Men Killed In CT Boat Crash After Police ID Victims Friends and family are remembering two victims of a Long Island Sound boat crash that killed three and sent six others to the hospital in Connecticut. New London County residents Ian Duchemin, age 25, of Oakdale, and Ryan D. Britagna, age 24, of Waterford, were killed on Monday, Sept. 2, when their boat hit the break wall at the mouth of the Connecticut River, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. Searchers found their bodies on Friday, Sept. 6. Middlesex County resident Christopher Hallahan, age 34, of Westbrook, also died in the crash ne…
'Dawson's Creek' Actor, Yale Graduate Dies At 51 'Dawson's Creek' Actor, Yale Graduate Dies At 51
'Dawson's Creek' Actor, Yale Graduate Obi Ndefo Dies At 51 An actor with ties to the region who was known for roles on several popular television shows such as "Dawson's Creek" is being remembered for his enduring positivity following a battle against an eating disorder.  Actor Obi Ndefo died on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the age of 51 after a long illness, his sister Nkem Ndefo announced in a social media post on Monday, Sept. 2.  "Tragically, Obi’s heart gave out in his longstanding battle against the eating disorder orthorexia," Nkem Ndefo wrote in a post on X, adding, "As his family, we share this news to bring attention to …
Boston College Remembers NHL Star, Brother Killed In Crash: 'No Words Can Express Our Sadness' Boston College Remembers NHL Star, Brother Killed In Crash: 'No Words Can Express Our Sadness'
Boston College Remembers NHL Star, Brother Killed In Crash: 'No Words Can Express Our Sadness' The Boston College community is reeling following the news that brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were standouts during their time with the Eagles men's hockey team, were killed in a crash in New Jersey. The duo were in Oldsman Township for their sister's wedding and were riding bikes on County Route 551 Thursday evening, Aug. 29, when a suspected drunk driver crashed into them, authorities said.  Original Report: NHL Star, Brother Killed In New Jersey Crash Johnny, 31, played three seasons at Boston College and helped lead the team to a national championship in 2012, t…
Missing CT Native, 32, Found Dead In Montana: 'I'll Never Forget His Laugh' Missing CT Native, 32, Found Dead In Montana: 'I'll Never Forget His Laugh'
Missing CT Native, 32, Found Dead In Montana: 'I'll Never Forget His Laugh' Friends of a Connecticut man are mourning after federal authorities found his body along a hiking trail in Montana after he was missing for a week.  Hartford County native Grant Marcuccio, from Wethersfield, was reported missing on Aug. 18 from his home in White Fish, Montana, where he lived. A US National Park Service helicopter flying over Glacier National Park spotted his body on Sunday, Aug. 25.  The 32-year-old was hiking with friends along a trail to McPartland Peak, but he became separated. Authorities will perform an autopsy to decide the cause of death, but wounds to…
CT Man Who Died In River After Severe Flooding Was 'An Easy Person To Love' CT Man Who Died In River After Severe Flooding Was 'An Easy Person To Love'
CT Man Who Died In River After Severe Flooding Was 'An Easy Person To Love' A local man who died unexpectedly during the historic flooding on Sunday, Aug. 18, in Fairfield County was known for his kindness, hard work, and caring, according to his obituary. Related: Man Found Dead In Aspetuck River In Fairfield After Police Discover Submerged Vehicle He went missing in the Aspetuck River in the town of Fairfield after his vehicle was located submerged in the water, according to authorities. Divers searched the surrounding waters and located his body in the river in Westport,  said Fairfield Police Sgt. Michael Stahl. Robert Neil MacIsaac, age 59,…