'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 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,…
(UPDATE) 'Megan Will Be Greatly Missed': CT Teen Killed In Western Mass Crash ID'd; Funeral Set (UPDATE) 'Megan Will Be Greatly Missed': CT Teen Killed In Western Mass Crash ID'd; Funeral Set
(Update) 'Megan Will Be Greatly Missed': CT Teen Killed In Western Mass Crash ID'd; Funeral Set Update: A GoFundMe to help pay for Megan Davis' funeral has raised more than $20,000 as of Sunday, Aug. 4, surpassing its original goal.  More than 350 people have donated to the cause. Click here for more information on the campaign.  Original: A 17-year-old Connecticut girl who was killed in a Hampden County car crash earlier this week is being remembered for her bright smile that was only matched by her bright future.  Megan Davis, of Enfield, Connecticut, died on Sunday, July 28, after dying in a crash on North Blandford Road in Blandford, about 45 minutes west of S…
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6 Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6 Fairfield County resident J. Michael Cline, the founder of Fandango and other startups, who died from an apparent suicide after falling from the 20th floor of a luxury hotel in Manhattan, was a father of six. Cline, age 64, a homeowner in Greenwich, died around 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, at the Kimberly Hotel on 50th Street, said the New York City Police Department. "Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious and unresponsive male with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position. An investigation remains ongoing," NYPD said.  Original report: Fandango Founder Fr…
Autistic 4-Year-Old Central Mass Girl Drowns In Neighbor's Pool Autistic 4-Year-Old Central Mass Girl Drowns In Neighbor's Pool
Autistic 4-Year-Old Central Mass Girl Drowns In Neighbor's Pool A 4-year-old autistic girl named Eva was found unresponsive in her neighbor's pool in Worcester County on Thursday, July 11, after she went missing from her home. She was pronounced dead at an area hospital a short time later.  Police in Sutton received a 911 call around 3:50 p.m. that the girl had gone missing in the Peachtree Drive area, the Worcester County District Attorney said. Officers quickly began a search and found the girl in the pool. Responders rushed her to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where doctors pronounced her dead, authorities said.  Police did n…
38-Year-Old Who Drowned In Trumbull Known For 'Tirelessly Helping Others' 38-Year-Old Who Drowned In Trumbull Known For 'Tirelessly Helping Others'
38-Year-Old Who Drowned In Trumbull Known For 'Tirelessly Helping Others' A Fairfield County social worker who drowned while swimming in a lake is being remembered for "tirelessly helping others." Related: 38-Year-Old Drowns In Trumbull Lake William "Will" Krahe, age 38, of Trumbull, died around 7 p.m. at Pinewood Lake, in the Nichols section of Trumbull, on Wednesday, July 3. Police said Will had been at the lake with family members and was swimming near a floating dock anchored a short distance from the shoreline beach when he went under the water and did not surface. Will was born in Bridgeport to William and Eileen Krahe and grew up in Fairfield, whe…
Beloved CT State Police K-9 Officer Dies At Age 6 Due To Medical Complications Beloved CT State Police K-9 Officer Dies At Age 6 Due To Medical Complications
Beloved CT State Police K-9 Officer Dies At Age 6 Due To Medical Complications The Connecticut State Police are mourning the loss of a beloved K-9 officer. Elmer was assigned to Detective David Collins of the Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit.  K-9 Elmer, who was 6 years old, was laid to rest on Saturday, July 6, due to medical complications. Det. Collins and K-9 Elmer graduated from the Connecticut State Police 212th Accelerant Detection Class in the fall of 2020 and have served for the last three years.  During his career, K-9 Elmer traveled across the state to assist at numerous fire scenes, working alongside our local, state, and federal partners…
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion' 'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion'
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion' Tributes are pouring in for a beloved NYPD officer who was killed alongside three others in an alleged drunk driving crash at a New York nail salon. Emilia Rennhack was off duty and getting her nails done when an SUV came barreling through the front window of Long Island’s Hawaii Nail & Spa, located in Deer Park on Commack Road, on Friday afternoon, June 28. Rennhack was pronounced dead at the scene alongside the salon’s owner, Jiancai Chen, age 37, of Bayside, Queens, according to Suffolk County Police. Also killed were Yan Xu, age 41, and Meizi Zhang, age 50, both of Flushing, Queens.…
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament Five people killed in a small plane crash in New York have been identified as members of a family who were in the region for a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, the site of the sport's Hall of Fame and Museum. The single-engine Piper PA-46 went down in Catskill Park around 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30, in the small Delaware County village of Sidney. According to the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane had departed from Oneonta about 20 minutes earlier. Drones, ATVs, and helicopters were used during the hours-long search, leading to the discovery of debris and, ultimately, to th…
Patriarch Of Iconic Family-Owned CT Business Known From TV Commercials Dies Patriarch Of Iconic Family-Owned CT Business Known From TV Commercials Dies
Patriarch Of Iconic Family-Owned CT Business Known From TV Commercials Dies The patriarch of a family-owned Connecticut business that became well-known from television commercials and billboards is being remembered for the large impact he left on his loved ones and countless others. Abe Kaoud, who owned the Kaoud Oriental Rugs business with his sons, Maurice and Charlie, died on Wednesday night, June 26, according to an announcement from Charlie Kaoud.  Kaoud died peacefully while surrounded by his family, his son said.  The founder of Kaoud Oriental Rugs, Kaoud ran the business for 69 years, building it into New England's largest importer…
Support Floods In For Family Of Trooper Killed In CT Hit-Run Support Floods In For Family Of Trooper Killed In CT Hit-Run
Support Floods In For Family Of Trooper Killed In CT Hit-Run After the tragic death of a Connecticut State Police Trooper, the community has rallied together to support his wife and their two young children. Trooper Aaron Pelletier, age 34, was killed on Thursday, May 30, on I-84 in Hartford County. Aaron was near Exit 31 in Southington, standing at the driver’s side door of a vehicle he had just pulled over when he was struck and killed by a passing driver. Earlier Report: Arrest Made In Trooper's Hit-Run Death In Southington “The grief and sadness caused by Aaron’s sudden death cannot be properly expressed in words,” wrote Troop H, whom…
Family Killed In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash On Way Home From Hospital Family Killed In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash On Way Home From Hospital
Family Killed In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash On Way Home From Hospital Three members of a Connecticut family killed in a wrong-way driver crash were on their way home from the hospital when killed. Related: IDs Released In Wrong-Way Merritt Parkway Crash With 4 Fatalities In Stratford ID Released For Driver In Stratford Crash That Killed 4 Fairfield County resident Steven P. Rowland, age 65, of Easton, was driving his aunt and uncle, Thomas and Olga Vitale, ages 80 and 81, also of Easton, home from Yale New Haven Hospital when all three were killed in the crash in Stratford, according to their obituaries. "While his death was abrupt and he…
Western Mass Man Killed In Crash, Dragged By Bear Remembered By Friends As 'Unique Soul' Western Mass Man Killed In Crash, Dragged By Bear Remembered By Friends As 'Unique Soul'
Western Mass Man Killed In Crash, Dragged By Bear Remembered By Friends As 'Unique Soul' You may have heard about Daniel Ducharme's death.  The 31-year-old was killed in Western Massachusetts on Sunday, May 5, after he lost control of his car and crashed in Hampshire County in the town of Hatfield. A bear is believed to have dragged him from the wreckage after that.  But his friends say those headlines left out who the South Hadley resident was.  Dozens of social media posts paint a far more complex picture of someone who cared for his friends, loved cracking jokes and making music, and had big plans for his future.  Evan Flynn posted on Facebook that Dani…
DC Business Analyst Timothy Han Dies, 24: 'Cornerstone Of Community' DC Business Analyst Timothy Han Dies, 24: 'Cornerstone Of Community'
DC Business Analyst Timothy Han Dies, 24: 'Cornerstone Of Community' A Yale University grad just months into his corporate job has died at 24 years old. Timothy Han died on April 18, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, according to a GoFundMe page launched to cover medical costs and burial expenses. The campaign remembers Tim as a "cornerstone of community, noting he left his family in South Korea and immigrated to the United States and embarking on an array of pursuits. Tim attended Phillips Exeter Academy, a prep school in New Hampshire, where he co-founded the school's first Asian-American student affinity club and involved himself in as many others …
'A Rose In A World Of Thorns': Loved Ones Remember Mass Stabbing Victim As Kind, Funny, Caring 'A Rose In A World Of Thorns': Loved Ones Remember Mass Stabbing Victim As Kind, Funny, Caring
'A Rose In A World Of Thorns': Loved Ones Remember Mass Stabbing Victim As Kind, Funny, Caring Eileen Monaghan was a woman who loved deeply, her family and friends in Western Massachusetts said.  Unfortunately, it was someone she cared for who is accused of killing the mother of two.  The 48-year-old from Chicopee was found stabbed to death on Sunday, April 14, around 1:30 a.m. in a home on South Water Street in Holyoke after police were called for suspicious activity, officials said.  Police charged her Chicopee firefighter boyfriend Jason Chapdelaine with her murder.  Original Report: Sheriff's Assistant ID'd As Victim Of Domestic Violence Killing …
'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late Mass Father, Fiancé 'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late Mass Father, Fiancé
'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late Mass Father, Fiancé After a Massachusetts brother, fiancé, and father unexpectedly died, the community is helping support the family he left behind while remembering his lasting legacy. William Harris (known to many as “Bill” or “Billy”), a lifelong Norfolk County resident, died on Saturday, April 6. Bill, who was born in Norwood and lived with his family in Stoughton at the time of his death, had recently come back from a weekend vacation with his fiancée and the pair’s three children when he came down with the flu. The flu quickly turned into pneumonia, which led to a blood clot that required Harris to b…
Nor'easter: Wife Of Yankees Exec ID'd As Woman Killed In Northern Westchester By Fallen Tree Nor'easter: Wife Of Yankees Exec ID'd As Woman Killed In Northern Westchester By Fallen Tree
Nor'easter: Wife Of Yankees Exec ID'd As Woman Killed In Northern Westchester By Fallen Tree A woman who was killed after a tree fell on her car as a Nor'easter swept through the region has been identified as a 50-year-old mother and wife of a New York Yankees executive. New, updated report - Yankees To Dedicate Season To Woman Killed In Armonk The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 in Northern Westchester County. The 2021 Toyota had been northbound on Route 128 between School Street and Leisure Farm Drive, according to the Town of North Castle Police. The woman has been ID'd as Catherine Tusiani, a resident of Armonk and the wife of Michael Tusiani, …
Beloved CT Music School Founder Dies At 57: 'Ever Positive, Always Hopeful' Beloved CT Music School Founder Dies At 57: 'Ever Positive, Always Hopeful'
Beloved CT Music School Founder Dies At 57: 'Ever Positive, Always Hopeful' A beloved Connecticut music school founder who spent decades sharing his passion with his students is being remembered for his always positive nature and endless talent.  Thomas “Tom” Deffenbaugh, who began the Summit Music School in Manchester at 421 Main St., died on Thursday, March 7 at the age of 57 after a brave fight against cancer, according to his obituary.  Deffenbaugh was known for pouring his "heart and soul" into the school for the last 25 years, his obituary said. Born in Michigan in 1966, Deffenbaugh eventually moved to Connecticut in 1990 and worked as an edit…
Friends, Family Remember Connecticut Couple Killed In Hit-Run Crash Friends, Family Remember Connecticut Couple Killed In Hit-Run Crash
Friends, Family Remember Connecticut Couple Killed In Hit-Run Crash The man and woman from Connecticut killed in an alleged hit-and-run crash in Pennsylvania over the weekend have been identified as a husband and wife. Windham County residents Richard and Rebecca Whiddon, ages 37 and 33, both of the town of Brooklyn, were passengers in a Nissan that was struck in Bucks County near the corner of Veterans Highway and Ford Road in Bristol Township on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 24,  Both were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The driver and another passenger in the Nissan were also hurt.  Earlier report - Double-Fatal Hit-Run Crash: Man, Woman Fro…
Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death
Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death A freshman at a prestigious Massachusetts college who graduated from a Connecticut high school in 2023 is being remembered as a brilliant musician who always followed his curiosity into success.  The death of Fairfield County resident Toby Woods, a 2023 graduate of New Canaan High School who was a freshman at Williams College in the Berkshire County town of Williamstown, was announced by officials at both schools on Friday, Feb. 23.  Earlier Report - Young New Canaan HS Grad Dies: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed,' Superintendent Says In a letter to students, faculty, and staff, Wi…
Young New Canaan HS Grad Dies: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed,' Superintendent Says Young New Canaan HS Grad Dies: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed,' Superintendent Says
Young New Canaan HS Grad Dies: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed,' Superintendent Says A community is mourning the loss of a bright young man who graduated from a high school in Connecticut last year. New, updated report: Young New Canaan HS Grad Remembered As Talented Musician After Untimely Death The death of Toby Woods, a 2023 graduate of New Canaan High School, was announced by New Canaan Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Luizzi on Friday, Feb. 23 in a communication to district families.  In his letter to families, Luizzi called Woods a "bright, kind, talented, and thoughtful young man."  "His passing is a painful loss for our New Canaan Schoo…
Beloved Hudson Valley Mother Of 3 Dies At Age 50 Beloved Hudson Valley Mother Of 3 Dies At Age 50
Beloved Hudson Valley Mother Of 3 Dies At Age 50 A Hudson Valley mother of three has died at the age of 50. Dutchess County resident Jennifer J. Strang-Thrasher, of Wassaic, died on Sunday, February 4, at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Strang-Thrasher, born in Connecticut in the town of Sharon in Litchfield County, was a graduate of Dover High School and Dutchess Community College.  She was a direct care worker at Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook, for 30 years, according to her obituary. In addition to her mother, Boonie (Coons) Strang of Wassaic, and her husband, Daryl Thrasher of Poughkeepsie, she is s…
Bridgeport Man Killed In Double-Fatal I-95 Crash In Fairfield Was Lead Singer For Popular Band Bridgeport Man Killed In Double-Fatal I-95 Crash In Fairfield Was Lead Singer For Popular Band
Bridgeport Man Killed In Double-Fatal I-95 Crash In Fairfield Was Lead Singer For Popular Band The lead singer for one of the most popular bands in Connecticut killed in a three-vehicle crash on I-95, is being remembered for his voice, and for being a nice person. IDs Released For Victims In Double-Fatal I-95 Fairfield Crash: Police Seek Witnesses William "Billy" Foster, of the band Billy and the Showmen, died in the town of Fairfield around 12:10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26 just before Exit 22. According to Connecticut State Police, a preliminary investigation revealed a tractor-trailer and two cars were traveling on I-95 northbound when the second vehicle identified as a 2018 Che…
Harvard Grad, Mom Of 4 Killed In New Jersey Hit-Run Crash While Jogging Harvard Grad, Mom Of 4 Killed In New Jersey Hit-Run Crash While Jogging
Harvard Grad, Mom Of 4 Killed In New Jersey Hit-Run Crash While Jogging Julia Sutton, the founder of an international spa and wellness brand and Harvard Business School alumna, has been identified as the person killed in a hit-and-run crash in Brick Township, New Jersey, earlier this month. Julia Sutton, 56, of Weehawken, New Jersey, was struck by a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Mark Carey, Jr. of South Amboy earlier this month on Route 35, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Mark Carey has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that left a female pedestrian dead in Brick, authorities said. Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Sutton founded the boutique welln…
'We’re Completely Lost': Young Daughter Of Patriots Reporter Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis 'We’re Completely Lost': Young Daughter Of Patriots Reporter Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis
'We’re Completely Lost': Young Daughter Of Patriots Reporter Dies Year After Cancer Diagnosis Hallie Kyed put up a valiant fight, but after a nearly yearlong battle with cancer, the 2-year-old daughter of the Patriots reporter for the Boston Herald has died, her father announced on Instagram.  Hallie was diagnosed in April 2023 with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive type of cancer that attacks bone marrow, a GoFundMe campaign set up for her said. She died in her sleep Sunday night, Jan. 21, her father, Doug Kyed, announced on social media.  Doug said despite the dire prognosis, Hallie never gave up the fight, her big dreams, or her bright smile.  Relat…
Former CT Police Officer Who Enjoyed Stargazing With A Cigar Dies At 67 Former CT Police Officer Who Enjoyed Stargazing With A Cigar Dies At 67
Former CT Police Officer Who Enjoyed Stargazing With A Cigar Dies At 67 A former Connecticut police officer who loved law enforcement and stargazing with a cigar has died at the age of 67. New Haven County resident Thomas K. Richard, of Ansonia,  died on Friday, Jan. 12, according to his obituary. Born in Fairfield County in Bridgeport on Sunday, July 8, 1956, and a long-time resident of Ansonia, where he lived with his family for more than 39 years, Thomas served in the Trumbull Police Department as a full-time traffic officer specializing in accident reconstruction before retiring from his assignment and transitioning to a part-time role working special …