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Obituaries
CT Dad Of 3 Found Dead In State Forest Remembered As Beloved Family Therapist, Outdoorsman CT Dad Of 3 Found Dead In State Forest Remembered As Beloved Family Therapist, Outdoorsman
CT Dad Of 3 Found Dead In State Forest Remembered As Beloved Family Therapist, Outdoorsman A Connecticut father of three whose body was found in a state forest is being remembered as a compassionate therapist who loved the outdoors. Justin J. Kruger, 50, of Oxford, was found dead following a search that ended Friday morning, May 1, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. His vehicle was found near the Oxford Reservoir inside Naugatuck State Forest, a popular spot for hikers and outdoor visitors. Officials said there are no signs of foul play. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. “DEEP extends our condolences to h…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Woman Allegedly Killed By Award-Winning Chef Remembered As Loving Mom Woman Allegedly Killed By Award-Winning Chef Remembered As Loving Mom
Woman Allegedly Killed By Award-Winning Chef Remembered As Loving Mom Friends and loved ones of a 31-year-old Massachusetts woman who police say was beaten to death by her husband in a hotel room are rallying to help her 10-year-old daughter and her beloved dogs. Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham, faces murder and assault charges after police say he killed his wife, Emma MacDonald, at Hotel UMass in Amherst on Wednesday, April 22. Police responded around 7:45 p.m. to Room 413 after reports from neighboring rooms of a woman screaming and crying. When they arrived, Emma was dead, and Jeffrey MacDonald attacked one of the officers, authorities said. After poli…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Connecticut Mom Of 4 Killed, Family Asks For Help: 'Her Kindness Touched Everyone' Connecticut Mom Of 4 Killed, Family Asks For Help: 'Her Kindness Touched Everyone'
Connecticut Mom Of 4 Killed, Family Asks For Help: 'Her Kindness Touched Everyone' A 33-year-old mother was found dead with a gunshot wound in what her family is calling a domestic violence incident, leaving behind four children and a grieving family now asking for help. Keishla Claudio, 33, was found unresponsive at her Belden Street home in Hartford on Friday night, April 24, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said Saturday the case is being investigated as a possible act of domestic violence.  A person of interest was later found dead in another state from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. An email to Hartford i…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
CT Dad Of 3 Killed While Searching For Stolen Car Remembered As ‘Fighter’ With Big Heart CT Dad Of 3 Killed While Searching For Stolen Car Remembered As ‘Fighter’ With Big Heart
CT Dad Of 3 Killed While Searching For Stolen Car Remembered As ‘Fighter’ With Big Heart A 38-year-old Connecticut dad killed after being hit by a car while searching for his stolen vehicle earlier this month is being remembered for his resiliency and toughness despite health battles and setbacks, his family said. Matthew "Kook" Croskey was struck by a car just after 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the intersection of Hartford Road and Village Square Drive in New Britain, police said. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police say Croskey was in the area looking for his car, which had been stolen earlier that evening. Manchester police found the st…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Diner Owner Mourned After Death In Violent CT Motorcycle Crash Diner Owner Mourned After Death In Violent CT Motorcycle Crash
Diner Owner Mourned After Death In Violent CT Motorcycle Crash A diner owner from Connecticut was killed and his partner injured in a motorcycle crash before Easter. Nathan “Nate” Musto died on Saturday, April 4, after being thrown from his motorcycle during a crash with a pickup truck on Stone Hill Road at approximately 4:30 p.m., Connecticut State Police said. Musto was riding with his passenger, 35-year-old Erica Tefft, who was also ejected and seriously injured, police said at the time. A GoFundMe has since been launched for Tefft and her four children, whom he considered his step-children. Musto, who was born on September 25, 1990, “was a man who…

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by Cecilia Levine
Obituaries
‘True Hero’: CT Dad ID'd As Man Who Drowned In Florida Saving Child ‘True Hero’: CT Dad ID'd As Man Who Drowned In Florida Saving Child
‘True Hero’: CT Dad ID'd As Man Who Drowned In Florida Saving Child Police in Florida have identified the Connecticut father of three who drowned earlier this month while trying to save a child caught in a rip current. Jason "Jay" Michael DeGray, 42, of Windsor Locks, died on April 14 after he was pulled under by waves at Cocoa Beach, authorities said. He was on vacation with his family. Reports say DeGray rushed into the ocean to save his son, who had been caught in a rip current and pulled into deeper water around 1 p.m. Ebony Mount, a 34-year-old Ohio woman, he did not know also dove in to help. Cocoa Beach responders and DeGray's daughter Bailey, who i…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
27-Year-Old Business Owner Killed In CT Crash Remembered For Big Personality, Bigger Heart 27-Year-Old Business Owner Killed In CT Crash Remembered For Big Personality, Bigger Heart
27-Year-Old Business Owner Killed In CT Crash Remembered For Big Personality, Bigger Heart A 27-year-old Connecticut man killed in a weekend motorcycle crash was known for his big personality, compassion, and ambition. Loved ones said he embraced life and people with his whole heart.  Matthew Sherwood, of Wolcott, died Saturday, April 11, after crashing his motorcycle into a parked tow truck on East Hartland Road in Barkhamsted, Connecticut State Police said. Responders rushed him to Winsted Medical Center, where doctors pronounced him dead. He leaves behind a family he cared for deeply.  "From the time he was little, Matt was known for something his family lovingly ca…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
10-Year-Old Killed In Mass Crash Remembered As ‘Pure Light,' 'Full Of Promise' 10-Year-Old Killed In Mass Crash Remembered As ‘Pure Light,' 'Full Of Promise'
10-Year-Old Killed In Mass Crash Remembered As ‘Pure Light,' 'Full Of Promise' A Massachusetts community is coming together to remember a 10-year-old girl who was killed over the weekend in a car crash. Loved ones described the fourth-grader as "pure light." Marleigh Guevara died after being struck shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, on School Street in Webster, police said.  Guevara was a student at Park Avenue Elementary School in Webster. Grief counselors were on hand Monday if students needed them.  "We are heartbroken at the loss of one of our young 4th-grade students, Marleigh, whose life was tragically cut short in an accident," Webster…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Former CT Basketball Coach Dies At 47, Leaves Lasting Impact On Players, Community Former CT Basketball Coach Dies At 47, Leaves Lasting Impact On Players, Community
Former CT Basketball Coach Dies At 47, Leaves Lasting Impact On Players, Community A beloved former Connecticut high school basketball coach has died, leaving behind a legacy of success on the scoreboard and an indelible mark on his players. Reggie Hatchett, former head coach of the Weaver High School boys basketball team in Hartford, died Thursday, April 9. He was 47. The father of two had been living in Grayson, Georgia, with his longtime girlfriend, Keisha Smith, at the time of his death. Loved ones said he died of heart and kidney failure. Hatchett led Weaver for seven seasons and won 121 games, leading the program to multiple deep postseason runs during his tenure. …

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Police ID CT Woman Killed In Head-On Crash With Heavy-Duty Wrecker Police ID CT Woman Killed In Head-On Crash With Heavy-Duty Wrecker
Police ID CT Woman Killed In Head-On Crash With Heavy-Duty Wrecker Authorities have identified the driver who was killed in a crash involving a heavy-duty wrecker earlier this week. Maria Cardoza, 66, was killed after crashing into a heavy-duty wrecker around 8:15 a.m. Thursday, April 9, on West Thames Street in Norwich, authorities said. Paramedics rushed her to Backus Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, officials said. The driver of the wrecker was not injured. Police said the collision remains under investigation. Officer Bates and the Norwich Fatal Accident Reconstruction Team are handling the case. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has informa…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
CT Veteran, TV Host Dies After Cancer Battle: 'Lived A Life With Purpose And Honor' CT Veteran, TV Host Dies After Cancer Battle: 'Lived A Life With Purpose And Honor'
CT Veteran, TV Host Dies After Cancer Battle: 'Lived A Life With Purpose And Honor' A beloved Connecticut veteran who helped found an American Legion post and hosted a show that allowed fellow veterans to share their stories has died after a long battle with cancer. Dozens have posted tributes to the man they say brought so much to his community. Charles "Chuck" Woodin, of Bristol, died Sunday, April 5, after weeks in hospice care, according to a GoFundMe created to help cover his medical expenses. The campaign donations will now help pay for his funeral costs. The GoFundMe has raised nearly $20,000 toward its $30,000 goal. Woodin is credited with founding American Legion…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Loved Ones Remember 26-Year-Old CT Man Killed In Early Morning I-395 Crash Loved Ones Remember 26-Year-Old CT Man Killed In Early Morning I-395 Crash
Loved Ones Remember 26-Year-Old CT Man Killed In Early Morning I-395 Crash A Connecticut man who was killed in a two-car crash on I-395 late last week was beginning to build a promising life, loved ones said.  Keith Mutch, 26, was killed after his BMW struck the rear of another car on the northbound side of the highway near Exit 19 in Lisbon, around 3 a.m. Friday, Connecticut State Police said. The impact ejected Mutch onto the median of the highway. Troopers pronounced him dead at the scene, police said.  Paramedics took the two people in the other car to Baukus Hospital for minor injuries.  Memorials have poured in since Mutch's death. …

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by Josh Lanier