Branford Adds Warning Signs Near Where 10-Year-Old Boy Drowned

It has been two months since a tragedy on the Branford River took the life of 10-year-old Ben Callahan. 

Ben drowned after being swept into a culvert on a rainy Friday afternoon in July. 

The town has since added two signs saying “Warning Dangerous Current” by the area with the pipe under Tabor Drive. 

“It creates a huge vortex or water going through that pipeline in a suction that is very deceivable,” Branford Police Captain Geoff Morgan said. 

Following the drowning death, the town continues to explore ways to discourage swimming in that area. 

“I know our engineering department is, as well as our public works director, and really under the direction of our first selectman trying to do the best they can to minimize any type of risk,” Morgan said. 

Captain Morgan said the public should remember not to underestimate the strength of a current, a potential danger he said exists in areas all along the shoreline. 

“And many of those surges go through small pipes and culverts and those are not areas to play or swim or be around. The water pressure in those areas is tremendous,” he added. 

In the weeks since the tragedy, the Branford community has rallied behind the Callahan family. 

“Ben, actually when they were younger, would come here to get their hair cut, Ben, Scout and Cooper,” said Leon James, owner of the Leon James International Hair Studio in Branford. 

Ben was known around town as #2, because he is the middle of three boys in the Callahan family. Ben was playing with his brothers when he was sucked into the culvert. 

At his business, Leon James is selling magnets, stickers and bracelets to benefit the foundation that was started in Ben’s honor. 

“I just immediately went into how can I help this family, how can I help my friends,” James said. 

Now, James has organized another fundraiser set for Sunday, Sept. 17. 

“We’re doing a motorcycle benefit ride in honor of Ben Callahan,” James said. 

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