Police have identified the three people who were killed after a vehicle appears to have crashed off the road in Branford on Thursday.
Officials identified the three people killed as 19-year-old Anthony Dudchik, 22-year-old Robert Dudchik, and 17-year-old Megan Nicole Povilaitis.
Both Anthony and Robert were the sons of News 8 Capitol Report's Tom Dudchik, the news station said.
"News 8 is sad to report that Anthony and Robert are the sons of Capitol Report’s Tom Dudchik. We are extending our condolences to the entire Dudchik family," the news station said in a statement.
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Police said their investigation showed that the driver failed to follow a curve in the road while traveling at a high speed. Povilaitis was the driver at the time of the crash, according to authorities.
A spokesperson with Avelo Airlines said Robert was a founding Tweed New Haven-based flight attendant.
"Rob has a very special place in Avelo’s legacy. He brought a caring, attentive and supportive attitude to every flight. Rob represented the best of us and he exemplified what it means to be an Avelo Crewmember. We are heartbroken by his passing. The Dudchik Family is in our thoughts and prayers," Head of Communications Jim Olson said.
Local
A driver called the Branford Emergency Communications Center around 6:35 a.m. after driving on Hosley Avenue, a wooded and windy road, and seeing a vehicle that appeared to have crashed off the road, police said. The caller did not see the crash happen.
“Our entire community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Anthony and Robert, and our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends. We will all hold them and our loved ones a little tighter during the coming days," said East Haddam First Selectman Irene Haines.
The Branford police and fire departments responded and found three people dead at the scene.
Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove issued the following statement regarding the crash:
“On behalf of the Town of Branford, we express our condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of those lost in this tragic accident. I also want to extend our sympathies and support to the entire communities of East Haven and East Haddam. The death of individuals that are so young with so much potential is a horrific tragedy and an unspeakable loss. Please join us in keeping these families in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.”
East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora also issued a statement:
“On behalf of the Town of East Haven, I offer sincere condolences to the families of the young people lost in the recent tragic car accident. We have learned that two of the individuals lost in the devastating event were residents of East Haven. The death of these young souls is so very difficult to comprehend - our thoughts and prayers need to be with all who are impacted by this tragic loss. “
The South Central Regional Traffic Team is actively investigating and police said this is the beginning of what will be an in-depth and lengthy investigation.
Community members said people drive extremely fast on the road and there are many potholes.
“We recognize the impact a loss of this magnitude will have on families, friends and our community now and in the future,” police said in a statement.
They are encouraging anyone who needs counseling services to reach out to the Police Social Worker Danielle Suraci at 203-481-4241.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Christopher Romanello at 203-481-4241.
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