Longtime Norwalk Library Employee Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash: City

NORWALK, CT — The city is mourning the loss of Dawn Kravarik, a longtime Norwalk Public Library employee who was killed in a hit-and-run crash over the weekend, city officials announced Monday.

In a news release, Mayor Harry Rilling and Norwalk police said the crash occurred Saturday around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Bayne Street at East Rocks Road.

When officers arrived, they found two injured motorcyclists who had been riding in the area when they were struck by a vehicle that fled the scene of the crash, according to city officials.

Both riders were taken to Norwalk Hospital. Kravarik, 58, of Norwalk, died as a result of her injuries, according to city officials.

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dawn Kravarik, a dedicated member of the Norwalk Public Library staff, where she served as the accounting clerk for 36 years," Rilling said in a news release. "Dawn was known as a compassionate and kind employee who always put her community first through her decades of service to the library. This great loss is felt throughout our library, City Hall and entire community. I'm sending my deepest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time."

Norwalk police quickly identified and later located the vehicle involved in the crash with help from the Wilton Police Department. A person of interest was also identified, according to city officials.

Director of Norwalk Public Library Sherelle Harris said Kravarik was a staple of the city's library and offered her condolences to Kravarik's family.

"[Thirty-six] years is a long time to be with an organization and Dawn was a Norwalk Public Library staple," Harris said in a news release. "The Norwalk Public Library family is still coming to terms with this great loss. My heart goes out to all of her family as they mourn the loss of an incredible individual."

According to her obituary, Kravarik was a lifelong Norwalk resident who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling to the mountains, motorcycling with her husband and friends and nurturing her vast indoor garden.

Additionally, her family was the absolute center of her world and she cherished every moment with them.

A celebration of life is scheduled to take place Friday at VFW Post 399 in Westport from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available here.

Police said the investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Norwalk police at 203-854-3186 or Lserrano @norwalkct.gov.