GoFundMe Launched To Help Family Of Norwalk Woman Killed In Crash

NORWALK, CT — A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the families of Jolie Cierra Lubin and Samantha Pearl Birchard, two young women tragically killed in a Feb. 25 wrong-way crash in West Haven, has raised over $100,000 thus far.

Lubin, a 23-year-old Trumbull resident, and Birchard, a 22-year-old Norwalk resident, were both passengers in a Nissan Altima that was struck head on by a Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 95 southbound, near Exit 42, around 1:30 a.m., according to state police.

Both women and the driver of the Nissan, Husein Alili, 25, of Wolcott, were fatally injured in the crash. The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as Kyle Thomas Bulkley, 26, of New Haven, was also killed in the crash, according to state police.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of two beautiful young girls who were taken from us far too soon, hit by a wrong way driver on I-95 this past weekend," the GoFundMe description reads. "Samantha and Jolie brought joy and laughter into the lives of everyone they touched. Unfortunately their lives were cut short, leaving their families and communities heartbroken."

Lubin was born in Norwalk and later attended the University of Vermont and Western Connecticut State University. She was working in sales for a Nissan dealership at the time of her death, according to her obituary.

Beloved by her family and friends, Lubin's happiest place was on the beach, whether it was watching the sunset or soaking in the sun. A memorial service in her honor was held Friday.

See also:

• State Police ID 4 Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On I-95
• Obituary: Samantha Pearl Birchard, 22, Of Norwalk
• Obituary: Jolie Cierra Lubin, 23, Of Trumbull

Birchard was a 2019 graduate of Norwalk High School. She later attended Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2023 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing and a minor in education, according to her obituary.

Birchard was working as a full-time substitute teacher at New Lebanon Public School in Greenwich, where she was "loved by all of her students." She had recently applied to graduate school in pursuit of a career in special education.

The GoFundMe campaign, organized by Marianne Raymond on behalf of Donna Birchard, is intended to help ease the "overwhelming burden of arranging two funerals" for both families.

"Your generous donations will go directly towards easing the financial strain of these funerals," the description reads, "allowing the families to focus on grieving and healing during this incredibly difficult time while also helping us create a lasting tribute in their memory."

A portion of funds raised through the campaign will be donated to Norwalk Next Steps, a community transition program that "works with students [ages] 18-22 to effectively become valued members of their community," according to the GoFundMe description.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the campaign has raised just over $102,700, exceeding a $100,000 fundraising goal.

Additionally, the page has received over 80 comments from donors offering words of support for both families.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the GoFundMe campaign can do so here.