Danbury Teen Killed In Car Fire Remembered As 'Compassionate'

DANBURY, CT — The 17-year-old Immaculate High School senior killed in a car crash Friday is described by his guidance counselor as "resilient, compassionate and brave."

Liam Devine of Danbury was driving his mother's Mazda 6 westbound on I-84 near exit 9 in Newtown when his car suddenly left the roadway and entered the grassy right shoulder, according to a State Police accident report. The Mazda then collided with a large tree and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Devine had been an honors student at Immaculate, earning either Distinguished or High Honors every term since his freshman year. On Tuesday, Devine's parents received their son's letter of acceptance from LSU, offering him their highest academic scholarship, according to Immaculate guidance counselor Kathleen Maloney.

Devine was preparing for a career in sports journalism and analytics, and an avid sports fan. He passionately followed the New England Patriots, the New York Yankees and the Toronto Raptors, according to his obituary.

"When he discusses sports, his enthusiasm is contagious and draws the listener in, wanting to learn more about the wins, the losses, the setbacks and the curious trivia that accompanies sporting events," Maloney said.

Devine directed his passion for sports to good use in his community, volunteering with the Pop Warner football league. During his sophomore year, he assisted with set up, clean up, officiating and also was the announcer for the games, according to his obituary.

The young man's talent and enthusiasm also extended to the arts. Devine sang, and played guitar, harmonica and drums, and also performed in Immaculate’s guitar ensemble.

Immaculate has postponed mid-term exams until next week. The school held a prayer service for Devine on Sunday, and is providing grief counselors, therapy dogs and art therapy for students and staff throughout the week. On Monday, Father Chris Ford from St. Gregory the Great Parish attended every one of Liam’s classes, sitting in his seat, to offer comfort and support to students and his teachers.

"We have come together as a family to remember Liam and comfort each other during this time of grief and loss. Everyone at Immaculate is feeling this loss of such a wonderful young man, and we offer continue support to each other and his family," a school spokesperson said.

Liam Devine is survived by his parents, Elizabeth Weinshel of Danbury and Timothy Devine of Naugatuck; brother Eamon Devine of Whittier, CA and sister Angela Devine of Danbury, step-father David Weinshel of Danbury and his dog, Caesar.

The family will receive friends from 4-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, at St. Gregory the Great Church, 85 Great Plain Road, Danbury. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Devine's memory to Immaculate High School.

The crash remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact State Police Troop A at 203-267-2240.