Thunderstorm Claims Life of New Milford Man

NEW MILFORD, CT — The severe thunderstorm that barreled through the area last week has claimed a life. A New Milford man was killed when his car struck a tree limb that fell during the storm.

A friend of the family has identified the victim as Richard Vanak, 37, The News Times is reporting.

Vanak was traveling along Erickson Road shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday when his car struck the downed branch. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.o

According to his obituary, Vanak was a 1999 graduate of Danbury High School, and the co-owner/operator of Pro Image Landscaping. He leaves behind a wife and three children.

Vanak's was the fifth life claimed by storm-related activity in the area this year. During the May 15 tornado and macroburst weather events, a woman and an 11-year-old girl were killed in separate incidents in Newburgh, NY, when the cars they were riding in were struck by falling tree branches; a woman, 41, was killed when a tree fell on her vehicle in New Fairfield; and a man was killed after a tree fell on his truck in the Candlewood Lake section of Danbury.

Visiting hours for Vanak will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Lakes on Old Town Park Road in New Milford. A memorial service will follow the calling hours.