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Ex-Western Mass Firefighter Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Wife, Toddler: 'Unmistakable Smile'
A longtime Massachusetts firefighter with a legacy of bravery, leadership, and a bright sense of humor has died suddenly, leaving behind his wife and his 2-year-old son.
The Russell Fire Department and Westfield Fire Department announced the death of former Russell Fire Chief and longtime Westfield firefighter and paramedic Niles LaValley on Monday, July 20. Officials did not provide a cause of death, saying only that it was sudden.
Loved ones created a GoFundMe for LaValley's wife, Jen, and their son, Theo, to help pay for his funeral expenses and provide some financial support. …
CT Woman Killed By Rogue Truck Tire On I-95 'Said Yes To Life,' Family Says
A 24-year-old Connecticut marine biologist remembered for her love of adventure, the ocean, and helping protect marine life was killed in a freak I-95 accident earlier this week when a detached truck tire crashed through the windshield of her SUV in Milford, police said.
Catherine "Cate" Margaret Palaia, of Stratford, was killed around 10:23 p.m. Sunday, July 13, while driving south on I-95, according to Connecticut State Police, who identified her the following day. Investigators said Palaia was driving a 2020 Toyota RAV4 when the front left tire of a northbound 2012 Ford F-250 came off the…
Beloved Putnam Speech-Language Pathologist, Mom Of 3, Remembered For Love Of Her 'Kiddos'
A beloved elementary school worker who helped students find their voice is being remembered for the care and compassion she showed every child she met.
Maura Babbitt, of Putnam, died Saturday, July 11, her family said on social media. The wife and mother of three boys was a fighter, they said. She survived leukemia in her 20s and later beat breast cancer. Her family did not disclose the cause of her death.
"My mother was dealt cards that no one should’ve been dealt, but she took them, played them, and continued to prioritize everyone else around her before herself," her son Aidan Babbitt wr…
'He Lit Up Any Room': CT Mourns Elementary Student Who Died After Surgery Complications
A Connecticut community is rallying around the family of a Connecticut elementary school student who died suddenly after suffering complications following eye surgery, his family said.
Adam Fontalvo, a rising third grader at Alcott School in Wolcott, died Tuesday, July 1, following surgery for a cataract and retinal detachment, according to his loved ones.
A GoFundMe created to help his family with funeral and medical expenses had raised nearly $28,000 as of Friday, July 3.
"Adam Fontalvo was a happy, big boy who loved anyone and everyone," the fundraiser said. "He always left a grea…
'Full Of Life': Family Of Teen Killed In Chaplin Head-On Crash Seeks Help As Community Mourns 2
The family of a Connecticut teenager killed in a violent Chaplin crash alongside another young man is asking the community for help as they cope with the unexpected tragedy.
Geovani "Geo" Aponte Jr., 18, of Willimantic, and Jaiden Pacheco, 20, of North Windham, were killed Friday, June 26, when the car they were in was involved in a head-on crash in Chaplin at the intersection of Willimantic Road and Phoenixville Road, Connecticut State Police said.
The two people on the driver's side of the Hyundai, ages 19 and 18, suffered serious injuries. First responders pulled them from the car, provi…
Heartbroken Mass Family Remembers 14-Year-Old Who Died On School Trip To CT Resort
A Massachusetts eighth grader who died during a school field trip at a Connecticut resort is being remembered as a gifted student, athlete, and leader whose loss has devastated his family and school community.
Emari Marshall-Woodard, 14, suffered a medical emergency while visiting High Meadow Resort in Granby and drowned on Wednesday, June 11, authorities said. An off-duty officer began life-saving measures before Emari was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
"Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, school staff, and all those whose lives have been touched…
'Cruel Twist Of Fate': Horse Trainer, 25, Dies Weeks After Fulfilling Lifelong Dream
A young Massachusetts horse trainer who had just achieved her lifelong dream of owning a farm was killed in a devastating riding accident that also claimed the life of her beloved show horse.
Chloe Christina Smith, 25, of Swampscott, was riding with friends in Groton on Friday, June 5, when her horse balked at a jump, throwing her from the saddle before collapsing on top of her, according to her family and obituary.
Smith was airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she died hours later, surrounded by loved ones, Daily Item reported.
“Her life was horses,” her father,…
'Carrie Showed Up For People': Support Pours In For Children Of Slain CT Cafe Owner
A Connecticut community is mourning the loss of a beloved business owner whose generosity, volunteerism, and support for local causes left a lasting mark on the town she called home.
Carrie Stetson, 54, of Winsted, was found dead inside a home in the 200 block of Oak Street on Monday night, June 9. Leon Stetson, 67, was found with serious injuries and was flown to Hartford Hospital, where he remained in critical condition, Winchester police said.
Police believe the mother of three and business owner was killed in a domestic violence incident. Authorities have not said how she died.
The los…
Family Of Toddler, Mother, Aunt Killed In Fiery Merritt Parkway Hit-Run Start Fundraiser
A New Jersey community is rallying around a family after a toddler, her mother, and her aunt were killed in a fiery Connecticut hit-and-run crash last week. Loved ones are now asking for help bringing the child’s body home to Guatemala while her father remains in ICE custody.
The crash happened just before 5 a.m. May 10, on the Merritt Parkway near Exit 36 South in Stratford, according to Connecticut State Police.
Police said 2-year-old Yanelet DePaz died alongside Maria E. Vasquez Chacon, 29, and Joselyn Vasquez-Chacon, 25, all of Trenton, New Jersey.
Loved ones created a&…
Former CT Volunteer Fire Chief Dies Following Cancer Battle After 50 Years Of Service
A longtime former Connecticut volunteer fire chief has died following a battle with cancer. He served his community for more than 50 years, and now residents are giving back to the family he leaves behind.
Glenn Martone, who served as chief of the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company for decades, died Sunday, May 17, surrounded by family, according to his obituary. He was 70.
A Brookfield High School graduate from the Class of 1973, Martone served the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company as chief, president, and board member during his time with the department.
“His leadership, mentorship,…
