10-Year-Old Girl Killed In Springfield Rampage Died Protecting Her Family: Obit 10-Year-Old Girl Killed In Springfield Rampage Died Protecting Her Family: Obit
10-Year-Old Girl Killed In Springfield Rampage Died Protecting Her Family: Obit Aubrianna Lynn Serra loved princesses, dancing, and gymnastics, but more than anything, she loved her family. The 10-year-old died trying to protect them when a gunman entered her grandmother's Springfield home last week, her obituary said.  Aubrianna Lynn was shot on Aug. 14, along with her 12-year-old sister and grandmother, Kim Fairbanks, at a home at 174 Berkshire Ave., Springfield police said. Their upstairs neighbor Victor Nieves pulled the trigger before killing himself, police said.   Aubrianna Lynn died three days after at Boston Children's Hospital after days i…
Police Say Goodbye To Beloved K9 After 7 Years Of Service In Longmeadow Police Say Goodbye To Beloved K9 After 7 Years Of Service In Longmeadow
Police Say Goodbye To Beloved K9 After 7 Years Of Service In Longmeadow Kai served the citizens of Hampden County with distinction for seven years, but now his watch has ended.  The long-serving Longmeadow police K9 died Tuesday, Aug. 8, after a brief battle with cancer. Kai's handler and best friend, Sgt. VanBuskirk, was at his side when he died, as Kai was by the officer's side in life.  Kai joined the Longmeadow Police Department in 2015 and earned several commendations for meritorious service, from capturing criminals to helping locate lost children. He retired in 2023 to live out his days with VanBuskirk.  Longmeadow police added …
Mass Mom Of 3 Dies, Community Helps Fulfill Her Final Wish Mass Mom Of 3 Dies, Community Helps Fulfill Her Final Wish
Mass Mom Of 3 Dies, Community Helps Fulfill Her Final Wish A fundraiser for a Norfolk County mother of three who died of cancer this week has surpassed its $5,000 goal in less than a day.  Gina Findlay, a Braintree mother of three, died on Wednesday, July 26 of melanoma, leaving behind her three children: Marissa, Michael, and Jordan, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for her funeral arrangements.  Findlay, who said she was a "daddy's girl" on her Facebook page, wanted to be buried next to her father, who died in 2018.  Friends say Findlay declined rapidly before her death, and her family did not have time to make …
Memorial Set For Mass Teen Killed In Boat Crash On Cape Cod Memorial Set For Mass Teen Killed In Boat Crash On Cape Cod
Memorial Set For Mass Teen Killed In Boat Crash On Cape Cod Family and friends of a 17-year-old killed on Cape Cod over the weekend will gather on Friday, July 28, to remember the girl.  Sadie Mauro, of Shelburne in Middlesex County, was killed Saturday when the boat she was riding on crashed into a jetty in Dennis, state police said. Related: Teen With 'Heart Of Gold' Killed, 5 Hurt After Boat Slams Into Cape Cod Jetty A celebration of life for the rising Dover-Sherborn High School will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, at 11 Washington Street in Sherborn, at 10 a.m. Friday. Visitors are asked to wear casual summer attire to …
Friends Want To Give Springfield's 'Favorite Red Head' Fitting Sendoff Friends Want To Give Springfield's 'Favorite Red Head' Fitting Sendoff
Friends Want To Give Springfield's 'Favorite Red Head' Fitting Sendoff Friends of a former foster child who was shot and killed last week in Springfield say he was a kind and loving person, and they want to provide him with the funeral he deserves. Daniel Romero, 21, of Springfield, was found shot at Marengo Park at 10:45 p.m. on Monday, July 17, Springfield police said. He was sitting in a car when officers arrived, and they gave him first aid until paramedics could rush him to the hospital. He died of his wounds soon after at Baystate Medical Center, authorities said.  Related: Springfield Police ID 21-Year-Old Fatal Shooting Victim Police ar…
'Her Memory Will Never Fade': Friends Pick Up Torch After Northborough Mom Dies 'Her Memory Will Never Fade': Friends Pick Up Torch After Northborough Mom Dies
'Her Memory Will Never Fade': Friends Pick Up Torch After Northborough Mom Dies Rebecca Maynard spent her final days worrying about her family. She feared more about what would happen to her three daughters and loving husband than the cancer that had invaded her body, her friends said.  She died last month. Now, the "ride or die" friends of the 44-year-old Northborough hairdresser and esthetician say they want to make sure those fears were not in vain. They have started a GoFundMe to help provide for her family as they grapple with their new reality and have stepped up in other ways.  She would have done the same for them and often did, they said.  To k…
NY Woman Who Died Trying To Save Dog In Flash Flood Remembered For 'Generous Heart' NY Woman Who Died Trying To Save Dog In Flash Flood Remembered For 'Generous Heart'
NY Woman Who Died Trying To Save Dog In Flash Flood Remembered For 'Generous Heart' Support is swelling for the family of a New York woman who died while trying to save her dog during a rare flash flood. Hudson Valley resident Pamela Nugent, age 35, was swept away after water surrounded her Orange County home in the hamlet of Fort Montgomery during the severe storms on Sunday, July 9, according to a GoFundMe. "She came out, seeing her house was taking on too much water," Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a news conference Monday in Highland Falls. "She was with her dog and her fiancé literally saw her swept away. Terror, right here." Emergency responders later found Nugent’s …
Springfield Man Killed In Weekend Wreck Remembered As Loving Father, Friend Springfield Man Killed In Weekend Wreck Remembered As Loving Father, Friend
Springfield Man Killed In Weekend Wreck Remembered As Loving Father, Friend State police have identified the man killed in a Friday, July 7, motorcycle versus SUV crash on I-91 in Springfield as a 23-year-old father from the city.  Dayquan Miguel Ortiz died after his motorcycle slammed into the back of a Jeep just after 2 p.m. near mile marker 7 in the southbound lane of the highway, state police said on Monday. The impact ejected Ortiz from the bike and threw him onto the pavement. Rescuers tried to save his life, but they couldn't revive him.  Paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, where doctors later pronounced him dead.  The SUV driver was not injur…
He 'Brought Joy' To All: Police ID Man Killed In Double Springfield Shooting He 'Brought Joy' To All: Police ID Man Killed In Double Springfield Shooting
He 'Brought Joy' To All: Police ID Man Killed In Double Springfield Shooting Authorities have identified the 23-year-old man who was shot and killed last week while attending a birthday party in Springfield, authorities said. The man who allegedly shot him turned himself over to police on Monday, July 3.  Elian Arroyo, of Springfield, died June 28 after he was shot near the intersection of Ashmun and Adams streets. Paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, where he later died, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday.  Elian's family wrote in his obituary that he was a loving son, brother, and friend who brought "wa…
'Lively' Massachusetts 23-Year-Old Dies In Tragic Crash, Community Rallies Around Family 'Lively' Massachusetts 23-Year-Old Dies In Tragic Crash, Community Rallies Around Family
'Lively' Massachusetts 23-Year-Old Dies In Tragic Crash, Community Rallies Around Family A knock on the door held tragic news for the parents of a 23-year-old Massachusetts man who died in a nearby town.  Tevin Em, a Lowell native, died unexpectedly early Saturday, June 24 in Dracut, according to his obituary. His parents were informed of the news later that morning and realized that their son was not coming home, said a GoFundMe for Em's funeral expenses.  Em was identified as the person involved in a fatal motorcycle crash in Dracut, according to the Lowell Sun.  An initial investigation of the scene determined that the motorcyclist left the roadway and s…
'Beloved' Father, Computer Administrator From Springfield Suddenly Dies At 53 'Beloved' Father, Computer Administrator From Springfield Suddenly Dies At 53
'Beloved' Father, Computer Administrator From Springfield Suddenly Dies At 53 Momoh Kamara embodied what it meant to truly live life to the fullest. The 53-year-old, who was born in Freetown in Sierra Leone and lived in Springfield, was a beloved husband and father as well as a "respected computer/network administrator," a GoFundMe reads. Unfortunately, Momoh's life was suddenly cut short on Sunday, June 18, "leaving behind a void that will be felt by all who knew him," the campaign continues.  Momoh obtained a bachelor's degree in computer science from Westfield State University and went on to work at Granville Tolland Regional School in Southwick, accord…
Member Of Raveis Real Estate Company Family From Springfield Remembered For 'Loving Heart' Member Of Raveis Real Estate Company Family From Springfield Remembered For 'Loving Heart'
Member Of Raveis Real Estate Company Family From Springfield Remembered For 'Loving Heart' A well-known mother of three from the region who was a member of the William Raveis Real Estate Company family is being remembered for her kindness and impact on the community where she lived. Massachusetts native Meghan Raveis, age 45, died on Friday, June 23 after she was struck by a vehicle while walking near her Connecticut residence in the town of Fairfield in the 500 block of Redding Road. The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, Town of Fairfield Police said. Earlier report: 45-Year-Old Member Of Raveis Real Estate Com…
45-Year-Old Member Of Raveis Real Estate Company Family Dies After Being Struck By Car 45-Year-Old Member Of Raveis Real Estate Company Family Dies After Being Struck By Car
45-Year-Old Member Of Raveis Real Estate Company Family Dies After Being Struck By Car New Update: Member Of Raveis Real Estate Family Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Loving Heart' The death of a well-known mother, wife, and fundraiser who was a member of the William Raveis Real Estate Company family has shaken the Connecticut community where she lived after she was struck by a car while taking a walk. Fairfield County resident Meghan Raveis, age 45, died just before 3 p.m. on Friday, June 23 in the town of Fairfield, in the 500 block of Redding Road. "My heart breaks for the Raveis family," said Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda L. Kupchick. "It’s a horrible tra…
Submersible Implosion: Titanic Expert From Region Leaves Behind Wife, 4 Children Submersible Implosion: Titanic Expert From Region Leaves Behind Wife, 4 Children
Submersible Implosion: Titanic Expert From Region Leaves Behind Wife, 4 Children A day after the tragic news that a former Connecticut resident was one of five men who died when a submersible imploded near the Titanic wreckage, his stepson is recalling what a "kind" man he was. Paul Henry Nargeolet, age 77, of New York City, lived in Litchfield County, in the town of Kent, for nearly a decade, as he took 37 trips to the doomed wreckage on salvage operations, including a couple in the Oceangate Titan. During an interview with WCBS Channel 2 in New York, John Paschall said besides himself, Nargeolet leaves behind a wife and three children. "He's the type of per…
'A Quiet, Gentle Soul': Community Mourns Loss Of Central Mass Man, 25, After Crash 'A Quiet, Gentle Soul': Community Mourns Loss Of Central Mass Man, 25, After Crash
'A Quiet, Gentle Soul': Community Mourns Loss Of Central Mass Man, 25, After Crash Loved ones of Jake Brisbois, the 25-year-old who was killed in a crash on Monday, June 19, in Lancaster, said he was a stalwart friend, a hard worker, and a caring soul.  Brisbois, of Princeton, was hit by a tractor-trailer on I-190 around 1:30 a.m., police said.  The Wachusett Regional High School graduate worked as a team leader at Walmart, his obituary said.  Jacob was a quiet and gentle soul often being referred to as a “gentle giant” by his family. An enthusiast for anything with a motor and two wheels, he loved to ride his motorcycles and dirtbikes. He had a pass…
CT Family Mourns Death Of 'Playful Father' Killed In Central Mass Car Crash CT Family Mourns Death Of 'Playful Father' Killed In Central Mass Car Crash
CT Family Mourns Death Of 'Playful Father' Killed In Central Mass Car Crash A family from Northern Connecticut is "not mentally or physically prepared" to live without their 28-year-old patriarch, who suddenly lost his life last week. Windham County resident Rafal Lachcik, of Thompson, was killed in a car crash in Dudley, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 16. His unexpected death leaves a massive hole in his family's life that they are desperately trying to fill.  Earlier Report: ID Released For 28-Year-Old Man Killed In Dudley Car Crash: Police "Rafał was the best husband to his beloved high school sweetheart, Talia, and the most loving and playful fa…
'Taken Way Too Soon': Teen Killed By Tractor Trailer In Palmer; Support Swells For Her Family 'Taken Way Too Soon': Teen Killed By Tractor Trailer In Palmer; Support Swells For Her Family
'Taken Way Too Soon': Teen Killed By Tractor Trailer In Palmer; Support Swells For Her Family A 16-year-old girl was killed when a tractor-trailer truck crashed into her SUV on Tuesday, June 13, in Palmer. As the community grieves its loss, hundreds have donated to a fundraiser for the girl's family, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars.  Mary Collins, of South Hadley, was leaving Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School around 2:20 p.m. when the truck crashed into the driver's side of her 1998 Chevrolet Suburban on Sykes Street, authorities said.  The truck driver remained on the scene and cooperated with police. Authorities have not releas…
'A Fighter Til The End': Community Mourns 5-Year-Old Who Died Of Cancer In Western Mass 'A Fighter Til The End': Community Mourns 5-Year-Old Who Died Of Cancer In Western Mass
'A Fighter Til The End': Community Mourns 5-Year-Old Who Died Of Cancer In Western Mass Brittney Bliss, the 5-year-old South Hadley girl whose story inspired birthday cards from across the nation, died June 6, about a year after doctors diagnosed her with cancer.  It all began last year when Brittney complained of an earache. Her parents — Elena and Brian Bliss — assumed it was nothing more than an ear infection and took her to see a physician, but after some tests, doctors came back with a devastating diagnosis.  Her treatment began right away. And despite the rigorous chemotherapy and radiation sessions over the next year, Brittney never gave up or gave i…
'Best Mechanic In Worcester,' Father Dies Unexpectedly In His Sleep At 54 'Best Mechanic In Worcester,' Father Dies Unexpectedly In His Sleep At 54
'Best Mechanic In Worcester,' Father Dies Unexpectedly In His Sleep At 54 A man many considered the "best car mechanic in Worcester" died last week unexpectedly in his sleep, his family said, and they hope to raise enough money to give him the funeral they say he deserves.  José A. González died at home on June 6, his obituary said. He was 54 years old. He spent his life working on cars and had a reputation as someone who could fix anything with wheels, and he would take on side jobs as a truck driver to make ends meet.  José started working at his dad’s auto mechanic shop in Puerto Rico when he was about twelve years old. For nearly 43 years, he practi…
Family Wants Proper Goodbye For Late West Springfield Single Mom Family Wants Proper Goodbye For Late West Springfield Single Mom
Family Wants Proper Goodbye For Late West Springfield Single Mom The son of a 44-year-old Hampden County single mother wants to send her off with the funeral he says she's earned.  Tara Terenzi died unexpectedly on May 29, her son Logan said in a GoFundMe for her. He noted that she'd sacrificed for him while suffering from medical issues that left her unemployed late in life, and he wanted to give back for her hard work.  According to her obituary, Tara served as a registered nurse at the former Parkview Hospital in Springfield and as a traveling nurse. It noted her life was punctuated by the depth of her caring.  She will be remembered b…
'She Loved With All Her Heart': Fund Set Up For Former Easthampton Mom Of 4 Killed In Maryland 'She Loved With All Her Heart': Fund Set Up For Former Easthampton Mom Of 4 Killed In Maryland
'She Loved With All Her Heart': Fund Set Up For Former Easthampton Mom Of 4 Killed In Maryland The family of a 33-year-old former Easthampton woman is demanding answers after she was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Maryland last week. But right now, they're focused on providing for the four children and fiance she left behind.  Jaleisa Wilcox died on Wednesday, May 31, in Mechanicsville when a suspected speeding Corvette crashed into her and another vehicle, Maryland state police said. Wilcox's Camry rolled over after the impact and slammed into an earthen barrier. She died at the scene.  Her friends have started a GoFundMe to help provide for her family. The campaign ha…
'Light Of My Eyes': Agawam Family Grieves Loss Of 17-Year-Old Son Who Drowned 'Light Of My Eyes': Agawam Family Grieves Loss Of 17-Year-Old Son Who Drowned
'Light Of My Eyes': Agawam Family Grieves Loss Of 17-Year-Old Son Who Drowned Ömercan Karaarslan was a special young man, his friends and family said. The 17-year-old was well-liked at Agawam High School and had big plans ahead of him.  Sadly, those came to an end on Monday, May 30, when he drowned in a swimming pool in the Feeding Hills area of Agawam.  He would have turned 18 next week.  RELATED: Teen Who Drowned ID'd As Agawam High School Student Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the teen's death. Family members said in social media posts that he was swimming alone Monday night and was found by a family member following his de…
'Loved By All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Beloved Chicopee Teacher After Her Death 'Loved By All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Beloved Chicopee Teacher After Her Death
'Loved By All': Community Rallies Around Family Of Beloved Chicopee Teacher After Her Death A lifelong teacher who died of cancer on Tuesday, May 23, will live on through a memorial scholarship if her family can raise enough money.  Susan Kurpaska, 59, a lifelong Chicopee resident, was a dedicated second and third-grade teacher at Saint Joan of Arc School. Her love of teaching showed in the hundreds of students she molded over her decades in the classroom and the awards she collected during her tenure, such as the Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award for Western Massachusetts, her obituary said.  Her loved ones have created a GoFundMe to cover her funeral costs, a…
'Beautiful Soul Inside, Out': Springfield Mom ID'd As Women Thrown From Car In Western Mass 'Beautiful Soul Inside, Out': Springfield Mom ID'd As Women Thrown From Car In Western Mass
'Beautiful Soul Inside, Out': Springfield Mom ID'd As Women Thrown From Car In Western Mass The Springfield woman killed earlier this month when she was thrown from her car on I-91 in Hampden County before being hit by an oncoming vehicle has been identified as a mother of three young children.  Jemyliana Vargas, 21, was a passenger in a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit that crashed into the back of a 2019 Dodge Ram truck just before 3 a.m. on May 7 in Longmeadow just past the Enfield, Connecticut, border, Massachusetts State Police said.  The impact ejected Vargas onto the northbound lane, where she was struck by at least one oncoming vehicle, officials said.  The Volkswagen driver — a 29…
Beloved Western Mass Educator Dies Days After Car Crash; Parents Seriously Wounded Beloved Western Mass Educator Dies Days After Car Crash; Parents Seriously Wounded
Beloved Western Mass Educator Dies Days After Car Crash; Parents Seriously Wounded Donna Woodcock, a former Greenfield teacher, principal, and coach, died this week after being critically wounded in a car crash on Friday, May 5. Her parents, who were in the car with her, are still recovering from their injuries at Baystate Medical Center.  Woodcock crashed on Mohawk Trail in Shelburne near Dragon Hill Road around 6 p.m. Paramedics rushed her and her parents (Courtney Woodcock, 92, and Barbara Woodcock, 87) to Baystate Medical Center, where she later died, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said on Thursday. She turned 65 on the day of the crash.  Woodco…
Victim Of Texas Mass Shooting Was UMass Amherst Grad, Died Along With Wife and 3-Year-Old Son Victim Of Texas Mass Shooting Was UMass Amherst Grad, Died Along With Wife and 3-Year-Old Son
Victim Of Texas Mass Shooting Was UMass Amherst Grad, Died Along With Wife and 3-Year-Old Son A family of four was visiting an outlet mall in North Texas when a gunman tore their family apart, killing a mother, father, and son.  A gunman killed eight people on Saturday, May 6, one of whom was identified by the Allen, Texas Police Department as Kyu Song Cho, a University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate.  "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our UMass Amherst alumnus Kyu Cho, his wife, and their three-year-old son in the Texas mall shooting," said UMass Amherst representative Ed Blaguszewski.  Kyu graduated in 2007 with a degree in political science. &…
Mass Bicyclist Killed In VT Race Remembered For His 'Commitment To Others' Mass Bicyclist Killed In VT Race Remembered For His 'Commitment To Others'
Mass Bicyclist Killed In VT Race Remembered For His 'Commitment To Others' A Massachusetts bicyclist who died while competing in a race in Vermont last month was dedicated in several areas of his life, but perhaps his biggest passion was helping others.  Richard "Rick" Wanstall was committed to many things throughout his 54 years of life. The North Shore resident was a passionate athlete, veteran and leader in the workforce. Sadly, Wanstall's life ended while he was doing one of the things he loved the most: competing.  "In recent years, Rick found a passion for fitness as he participated in various triathlons and later moved onto Ironman Compe…
'Beautiful' Legacy Left Behind By Mass Maritime Student Found Dead In Dorm 'Beautiful' Legacy Left Behind By Mass Maritime Student Found Dead In Dorm
'Beautiful' Legacy Left Behind By Mass Maritime Student Found Dead In Dorm Amanda Robinson was more than just a 22-year-old from Long Island who was about to graduate from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She was the epitome of serving others.  "As a cadet of the Massachusetts Maritime Colleges Regiment, Amanda truly embodied the spirit of 'one hand for the ship, one hand for your shipmate,'" Samara Podmore wrote on a GoFundMe campaign organized on the Nassau County native's behalf.  Robinson, of Bellmore, NY, was found dead in her dorm room on Wednesday morning, April 19, The Cape & Islands District Attorney's Office reports.  Earlie…
One-Year-Old Girl Dies, Central Mass Community Rallies Around Family One-Year-Old Girl Dies, Central Mass Community Rallies Around Family
One-Year-Old Girl Dies, Central Mass Community Rallies Around Family A fundraiser created to help provide meals and support for a Central Massachusett family following the death of their one-year-old daughter surpassed its halfway point.  Elsie Maeve Lafferty, of Ashburnham, died on Wednesday, April 12, according to her obituary. She was born in February 2022.  Loved ones created a MealTrain fundraiser for the family to coordinate food donations and raise money for them during this tragic time.  During this awful time when we feel so helpless, let's show our love and support. Please pick a day and provide either a home-cooked meal, take out, …
'Real Sweetheart': Loved Ones Mourn Central Mass Man, 29, Killed In Crash 'Real Sweetheart': Loved Ones Mourn Central Mass Man, 29, Killed In Crash
'Real Sweetheart': Loved Ones Mourn Central Mass Man, 29, Killed In Crash The tragic death of a man from Athol has loved ones wishing they could got back in time and relive their fondest memories with the 29-year-old. "I wish we could still be stupid together," Desiree Rose said after hearing about her friend Kyle Bezio's death. "I can't even believe it." I wish we could still be stupid together Kyle Bezio i cant even believe it… Posted by Desiree Rose on Sunday, April 9, 2023 Bezio died after he was struck by a car on Route 202 near 150 Daniel Shays Highway just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The driver…
'Collective Pain' Spreads Among UMass-Dartmouth After Freshman Student's Death 'Collective Pain' Spreads Among UMass-Dartmouth After Freshman Student's Death
'Collective Pain' Spreads Among UMass-Dartmouth After Freshman Student's Death A student body is coming together to raise awareness after a 19-year-old University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth student was struck and killed by a car on campus last week.  Frankie Petillo Jr. was struck by a vehicle on Thursday, April 6, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Petillo, of the Manahawkin, NJ, was a freshman Bioengineering student.  UMass students gathered for a candlelight vigil on Monday and also launched a Change.org petition to improve street safety on campus.  The petition says, in part: "The student body wants more safety. Speed bumps,…