IDs Of 3 People Killed In Crash Released: Branford Police

BRANFORD, CT — Police on Friday released the names of the three people killed in a single-vehicle crash on Thursday.

All three people inside the car were killed, police said. The driver was Megan Nicole Povilaitis, 17, of East Haven, police said. The passengers, who are siblings, have been identified as Anthony Dudchik, 19, of East Haddam, and Robert Dudchik, 22, of East Haven, police said in a news release.

WTNH News 8 General Manager Rich Graziano said in a story on News 8's website Friday afternoon that Anthony and Robert are the sons of Capitol Report’s Tom Dudchik.

The Branford Police Department in conjunction with the South Central Regional Traffic squad continue to investigate the fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred on Hosley Avenue on Thursday morning, police said.

"Preliminary findings of the investigation indicate that the operator failed to negotiate a curve in the road while traveling at an excessive speed," police said in a news release.

"Our condolences are with the families and friends of the victims during their bereavement," police said in a statement.

In a statement, Graziano wrote, "The News 8 family is devastated over the tragic loss of Tom Dudchik’s two sons. We are sending thoughts and prayers to Tom and his wife, Nora, during this difficult time. We are all heartbroken and stunned at this tragedy. Tom is part of our News 8 family, and our hearts are with his family during this very difficult time."

Dudchik runs the popular Capitol Report website, which includes links to news from across the state, and has hosted a Sunday news program on WTNH News 8 since 2017, the Connecticut Mirror reported.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said on Twitter that "I can’t stop thinking about this. My (heart) is breaking for the Dudchik and Povilaitis families. Just devastating. Everyone in Connecticut is pulling for you."

And U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., wrote on Twitter that "Our hearts go out to the Dudchik & Povilaitis families. There are no words—we’re all with you."

Anyone with any information in reference to the accident is asked to call Sgt. Christopher Romanello at 203-481-4241.

(Read more at WTNH News 8).

Original story: BRANFORD, CT —Three people were killed in a single-car crash in Branford early Thursday, police said.

According to Branford Deputy Police Chief John Avles, at 6:30 a.m., a 911 call came in from a passing motorist on Hosley Avenue who saw a vehicle that "appeared to have crashed off the roadway." The caller did not witness the crash.

Both Branford police and firefighters and paramedics went to the crash site and, Alves said, "We are deeply saddened to report locating three deceased individuals on scene."

The South Central Regional Traffic Team is actively investigating, Alves said.

"This investigation is in the beginning stages of what will be an in-depth and lengthy investigation," he noted.

Alves said it was a single car crash and "speed appears to be a factor."

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is "working alongside officers to identify the victims and make notifications to the next of kin," Alves said. Police won't release the names of those killed until notifications have been made.

"We recognize the impact a loss of this magnitude will have on families, friends, and our community now and in the future," Alves said.

"We encourage anyone who may need counseling services" to reach out to our Police Social Worker Danielle Suraci at 203-481-4241, he said. "Members of the Branford Police and Fire Departments and the First Selectman’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those involved."

Read more >>> With Mental Health Crisis Calls Daily, Police Hire Social Worker