Beloved Educator From Darien Killed In Crash

DARIEN, CT — Michael Sansur, 52, of Darien, who was killed in a two-vehicle crash on I-95 in Old Lyme on Oct. 15, was a "beloved" teacher at Staples High School in Westport, according to the superintendent of schools there.

"I am so sorry to be writing to you today to share some tragic news," Westport Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice wrote Sunday in an announcement to the school community. "Yesterday, we lost Michael Sansur, beloved Technology Education teacher at Staples High School, to a car accident on I-95. His son was also critically injured in the accident. We are devastated by this news and our hearts are with the Sansur family during this difficult time."

According to the Connecticut State Police, Sansur was stopped in a 2003 Honda Accord in the left lane of two for "unknown reasons" on I-95 northbound near exits 70 and 71 shortly before 7:30 a.m., on Saturday.

A 2019 Kia Stinger driven by Almando Dixon, 26, of Oxford, slammed into the rear of the Accord, police said.

Sansur was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital were he died from injuries sustained in the crash, police said. His son, Michael Alexander Sansur, 21, of Milford, a passenger in the car, was airlifted to Yale New Haven Hospital with serious injuries.

Dixon was also taken to a medical facility for the treatment of possible minor injuries, police said.

"Stafford Thomas, principal of Staples High School, will be working with the building’s crisis team, as well as the central office crisis team, to develop plans for supporting students, staff and families, in coping with this tragedy," Scarice added in his message.

"Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff. His career has been marked by inspirational stories of Mike positively impacting the lives of students at Staples and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom."

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with more information is asked to contact Old Lyme Resident State Trooper Matthew Weber at 860-399-2100.

— Alfred Branch Patch Staff, contributed to this report.