WHPD: Three From Hartford Were Killed In Christmas Morning Crash

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police Monday afternoon identified the three killed in the horrific Christmas Day crash Sunday morning as being three residents of Hartford.

The West Hartford Police Department said killed in the accident were:

• Raheim Dantae Barry Nelson, 17, of Hartford.

• Faye Dawson-Judkins, 52, of Hartford.

• Novelette Bailey, 55, of Hartford.

Their deaths Sunday meant five deaths on local roads in just six days leading up to Christmas, which was a tipping point for town and police officials worried about traffic safety.

Sunday evening, the town's mayor said West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith will convene a special task force to look at traffic and pedestrian safety in town.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor's announcement Christmas Day came several hours after a horrific, two-car accident Christmas morning killed the trio from Hartford on Simsbury Road.

That accident came after two separate fatal vehicle-vs.-pedestrian accidents on West Hartford roads Dec. 20 and 21.

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic loss of life, especially during this holiday season,” said Cantor in a Christmas Day statement. “The families and friends of those involved in today’s incident will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

According to the West Hartford Police Department, officers were called to a two-car motor vehicle collision at about 6:49 a.m. Sunday.

The crash was on Simsbury Road, near Timberwood Road, police said.

Police said emergency responders arrived and provided medical aid to the occupants of the vehicles.

"Despite life-saving efforts, two occupants were pronounced deceased on scene," the WHPD wrote in a statement Sunday morning. "A third occupant was transported to an area hospital, however, despite lifesaving measures, the third occupant was pronounced deceased at the hospital."

Police have not yet released any additional details about what might have happened.

The West Hartford Accident Reconstruction Team is actively investigating, police said.

Cantor said an announcement will be made early next week regarding the specifics of the task force.

“The town council wants actionable steps we can take to make our roads safer,” said Cantor.

Ledwith said the safety of residents and travelers on roads are always a top priority.

“Although the fatal motor vehicle collisions that have occurred in town over the last week are isolated incidents, any loss of life is unacceptable,” said Ledwith.

“We are constantly studying, evaluating, and improving road safety and plans are already underway to step those efforts up with the creation of a traffic and pedestrian safety task force.”

There have been two other fatal motor vehicle collisions in West Hartford over the last week.

On Dec. 21, a 60-year-old male pedestrian was killed by a motor vehicle on Mohegan Drive in West Hartford. The driver involved in that incident is cooperating with police.

The day before, on Dec. 20, an 89-year-old female pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision on Boulevard in West Hartford and the driver has yet to be identified.

Prior to the two fatal pedestrian-vs.-vehicle incidents, a man was seriously injured Dec. 18 when he was struck by a vehicle.

West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick said all of the collisions happened on different roads and police do not believe the accidents are related.

Riddick emphasized the need for motor vehicle operators and pedestrians to adhere to the laws of the road.

“There are many factors that come into play involving motor vehicle collisions and, especially, motor vehicle and pedestrian collisions” said Riddick.

“The consequences of a crash between a 4,000-pound vehicle and a human being can result in death or serious physical injury. Motor vehicle operators and pedestrians must comply with the law.

"Moreover, I strongly urge motor vehicle operators and pedestrians to avoid distractions such as cell phones, ear phones, etc. and to focus their attention on the road. Literally, lives depend upon it.”

Anyone with information on Sunday's accident is asked to call the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or use the WHPD Tip Line/email at (860) 570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.

From Dec. 23: 'West Hartford PD Issues Plea For Safety This Holiday Weekend'

From Dec. 22: 'Second Pedestrian Of Week Dead In West Hartford After Being Hit'