2 Killed, Unborn Baby Dies In Multi-Vehicle Crash In Colchester

COLCHESTER — A beloved educator was among those killed in a three-vehicle crash and another teacher's unborn baby didn't survive the crash, according to state police and school officials.

A man also died in the three-vehicle crash on Route 16 on Sunday afternoon.

Police identified the victims who died as Jennifer Leinbach, 28, of Norwich, and Carlos Miguel Bauer, 27, of Colchester.

Sayles School officials in Baltic said that another teacher, who was eight months pregnant at the time of the crash, sustained serious injuries. "In an even deeper heartbreak, her unborn baby did not survive," school officials wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post.

The accident happened around 4:15 p.m. near the intersection with Cato Corner Road.

State police said a Subaru Crosstrek was westbound on Route 16 when it was struck in the rear by a Hyundai Elantra operated by Bauer.

The Subaru went off the roadway and rolled over, and the two occupants, both East Haddam residents, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Hartford Hospital, a police report shows.

The Hyundai then crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a Toyota Rav4, operated by Leinbach, head on, police said. The impact sent the Toyota off the right shoulder and caused it to roll over, according to state police. A passenger in the Toyota, a pregnant Columbia woman, was seriously injured and taken by LifeStar helicopter to Hartford Hospital.

Both Leinbach and Bauer were pronounced deceased at the scene, police said. Bauer’s male passenger, a Gales Ferry resident, sustained serious injuries and was also taken to Hartford Hospital.

Sayles School said in a social media post that "with heavy hearts, we mourn."

"The Sayles School community is deeply heartbroken by the tragic news of a devastating multi-vehicle crash that occurred (Sunday) involving two former Sayles teachers...."

"We are incredibly saddened to share that Mrs. Leinbach lost her life in the accident. During her time at Sayles, she was not only a dedicated and inspiring teacher, but also the founder of our school’s very first volleyball team—a program that continues to thrive today thanks to the foundation she built. Her energy, warmth, and deep commitment to her students left a legacy that is still felt in our school community."

Sayles officials said that Leinbach and the pregnant woman had both moved onto other local schools but "they remained an important part of our Mustang family. Their time at Sayles touched countless lives and helped shape the caring, student-centered community we are today."

"We extend our deepest sympathy and love to their families, friends, colleagues, and the many students they taught over the years. We know this loss will be felt not only at Sayles, but also in the Salem and Lebanon school communities....We will share opportunities for the community to come together in support in the days ahead."

Read more:

• Top Elected Official Dies, Family Says They Are 'Heartbroken'
• 5-Year-Old Pulled From Water By Witness In Possible Drowning, Fire Officials Say

The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper First Class Gregory DeCarli at gregory.decarli@ct.gov.

Patch editor Brian McCready contributed to this story.