Waterbury community mourns victims of deadly crash

WATERBURY, CT. (WFSB) - A memorial was held Thursday night in Waterbury after four young men were killed in an early morning accident Thursday.

The victims have been identified as three brothers, 25-year-old Nelson Torres, 20-year-old Jayden Torres, 15-year-old Noel Torres, along with their close friend, 20-year-old Johnaven Puszka.

Police say the vehicle they were in lost control and crashed into a corner store on Cherry Street, partially collapsing the building.

At the site of the crash, a makeshift memorial filled with candles, balloons, and handwritten notes now marks the spot where the incident occurred.

Dozens of friends, classmates, and family members gathered Thursday night to mourn, some in tears, others holding onto one another in disbelief.

Friends and family say that the young brothers who died were unstoppable when they were together and always lit up the spaces they were in.

“Their family passed away and it’s not fair. Slow it down,” said Detriss Dawkinsa, a Waterbury resident who visited the crash site. “Not only are you taking your life. You’re taking other lives too.”

Authorities believe speed played a significant role in the crash, though the investigation is still ongoing.

Surveillance footage is being reviewed as part of the case.

“In my opinion, speed is going to play a role in this particular investigation, but there will be a lot more to it than that,” said Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation reports that 72 people have died in traffic accidents in the state so far this year.

Those numbers include the four victims from a violent crash in Newington last Saturday.

“We plead with the public. Think outside of yourself, think of your neighbors, think of your kids, your family, your friends. This could happen to anybody and it shouldn’t be happening,” said Josh Morgan, Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Speeding on Cherry Street has long been a concern for neighbors, who say drivers often fly down the road with little regard for safety.

Waterbury Public Schools confirmed that the youngest victim, Noel Torres, was a student in the district.

While the specific school was not released, officials say grief counselors will be available for students and faculty members who are coping with the loss.

Channel 3 will continue to provide updates as more details are released.