Vernon Mourning Loss Of 6th-Grader After Fatal Crash

VERNON, CT — The school community in Vernon is mourning the loss of a sixth-grader killed in a car crash on Interstate 84 Thursday.

"It is with deep regret that I inform you that one of our students passed away due to a motor vehicle accident.
Jaidyn Bolduc, a sixth grader at Vernon Center Middle School, lost her life. This is a terrible tragedy for the
family and our community," Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said in a statement released Friday morning.

Macary continued, "Jaidyn will be sadly missed. Jaidyn was a kind and considerate student and was involved in cheerleading. Her teachers said she was a pleasure to have in class. Grief counseling services are now available at Vernon Center Middle School to work with students and staff. Please keep Jaidyn’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I will provide additional information as it becomes available."

The crash took place at 8:17 p.m. A 2021 Volvo AA driven by a 32-year-old Worcester, MA, was and the car Jaidyn was a backseat passenger in, a 2015 Ford Fiesta were heading east just prior to Exit 67, when they collided for an unknown own reason, according to a state police report. The fiesta crashed into the center gore area of the highway, according to the report.

The driver of the Volvo was taken to Rockville General Hospital and later released, according to the report. Jaidyn was also taken to RGH, but did not survive her injuries, according to the report. A 32-year-old Vernon woman who was also in the Fiesta had minor injuries, according to the report.

State police said the crash is an ongoing investigation and said anyone with information in it can contact them at 860-896-8004.

Macary spent the day at VCMS with the students.

"Each student handles grief in different way, so it's hard to generalize it," he said. "The very sad part was that Jaidyn had just made the cheerleading team. She was a good student, worked hard and was liked in class. It's a sad day."

Municipal officials also released a statement:

"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken as a community and offer our condolences to Jaidyn’s family and friends.," it said.