‘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…
CT Man, 23, Killed in California Motorcycle Crash: 'Our Family Is Completely Heartbroken' CT Man, 23, Killed in California Motorcycle Crash: 'Our Family Is Completely Heartbroken'
CT Man, 23, Killed in California Motorcycle Crash: 'Our Family Is Completely Heartbroken' The family of a 23-year-old Connecticut motorcyclist killed in a California crash is asking for the public’s help to bring him home so his loved ones can say goodbye.  Jamaih Fortin, of Bristol, was killed last week after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a parked car on the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, according to California police. His father, Jeremy Fortin, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help bring his son's body home. "As a father, there are no words to fully describe this kind of pain," he wrote. "Losing a child is something no parent should ever have t…
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…
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…
‘Her Laugh Was Infectious’: Family Remembers Woman Found Dead In CT Home ‘Her Laugh Was Infectious’: Family Remembers Woman Found Dead In CT Home
‘Her Laugh Was Infectious’: Family Remembers Woman Found Dead In CT Home A 26-year-old woman found dead inside a Connecticut home is being remembered by loved ones as a vibrant presence who left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Janina Brooke Murphy, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, was found at a Claire Hill Road home in Burlington on March 29, Connecticut State Police said. Police have not disclosed the cause of death.  Her family said Brooke was a caring woman who was the "definition of a free spirit."  "Her kindness was legendary, offered freely and without hesitation," her obituary said. "Brooke loved her family and friends with a depth and …
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. …
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…
'Game Of Thrones' Actor, 35, Dies After Battling Rare Illness: 'An Inspiration To Everyone' 'Game Of Thrones' Actor, 35, Dies After Battling Rare Illness: 'An Inspiration To Everyone'
'Game Of Thrones' Actor, 35, Dies After Battling Rare Illness: 'An Inspiration To Everyone' An Irish actor known in the US for his role in "Game of Thrones" has died from a rare neurological condition. Michael Patrick, whose real name was Michael Campbell, died on Tuesday, April 7, at Northern Ireland Hospice. The 35-year-old was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in February 2023. Patrick's wife, Naomi Sheehan, confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 8. "He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there," Sheehan wrote. "He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Words can't describe how br…
22-Year-Old College Lacrosse Player Dies After Cancer Battle 22-Year-Old College Lacrosse Player Dies After Cancer Battle
22-Year-Old College Lacrosse Player Dies After Cancer Battle Samuel W. Nice, a 22-year-old Pennsylvania college student who inspired those around him with his strength and spirit, has died after a battle with brain cancer, his obituary on the R Strunk Funeral Home website says. Sam, of Schwenksville (Montgomery County), passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 4, following what his obituary describes as a courageous fight against the disease. Sam graduated from Perkiomen Valley High School, where he played varsity lacrosse for four years before continuing his athletic career at Neumann University alongside his brother. He later a…
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…
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. …
CT Man, 75, Dies After Car Crash In Parking Lot CT Man, 75, Dies After Car Crash In Parking Lot
CT Man, 75, Dies After Car Crash In Parking Lot Police have identified the 75-year-old Connecticut man who was hit and killed by a car in an East Hampton parking lot.  James Bansemer, 75, of Colchester, was struck Friday, April 3, in the Napa Auto Parts lot on East High Street, according to East Hampton police.  First responders were called to the scene just before 3 p.m. Bansemer had serious injuries and no pulse when crews arrived. LifeStar was called in.  Bansemer was flown to Marlborough Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, police said. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investiga…