Newington, CT — A roadside memorial on Willard Avenue has become the epicenter of grief after Saturday’s fatal crash that left four dead, including a Newington High School senior and two of her relatives.
The fourth victim has not yet been publicly identified.
The dead include 17-year-old Gabriela Difo, her mother Florinda Tineo, and her aunt Jeanette Tineo. All were pronounced dead at the scene following the early morning wreck. The vehicle’s fifth occupant survived with minor injuries.
“They were always helping, always smiling, always helping in everything,” said Jose Balbuena, a member of St. Mary Church in New Britain, where the family regularly attended services.
Shock still saturates the parish. Many congregants remain staggered by the timing.
“He was very sad and he still can’t believe it either because he said on Friday that at 10:30 at night, they were right there with him, and they came and said bye to him not knowing it was going to be the last time he was seeing them,” Balbuena recounted of the church’s priest.
The crash left a visible void in the pews during Sunday’s Easter mass.
“When it was the Day of the Virgin of Altagracia from the Dominican Republic, they were always helping. Always right there,” Balbuena added.
The stretch of Willard Avenue near the crash site remains active with mourners and fast traffic.
“You never know. Kids playing around here or something. You can see right now with the way they’re passing. They’re not respecting the speed limit,” Balbuena said as vehicles sped past the growing pile of candles and flowers.
Police continue to investigate. Newington authorities have not released details regarding the cause of the crash.
The fourth deceased individual has not been named. Officer Lambros is handling the case, and anyone with information is asked to call (860) 594-6229.
Local officials and the Newington school superintendent have expressed condolences to the bereaved. Within the church, efforts to support the surviving family members are underway.
“He’s thinking still right now what he’s going to do for them, but I know that he’s going to do something for them, for the whole community,” Balbuena said.
The loss is raw. The grieving is collective. And the road remains unforgiving.
