BRANFORD, Conn. — Police released the identities of the three people who were found dead after a car crash off Hosley Avenue in Branford on Thursday morning.
The driver was identified as Megan Povilaitis, 17, of East Haven. The passengers, who were siblings, were identified as Anthony Dudchik, 20, of East Haddam, and Robert Dudchik, 22, of East Haven.
FOX61 is sad to report that Tom Dudchik, a former FOX61 colleague, is the father of two of the victims. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.
“It's just sad. Three lives gone,” said Carter Porter, who knew the two brothers.
The stop of the crash is now also the location of a roadside memorial where a potted plant and bouquet of flowers stand out among the strewn debris.
“Great people. It’s just a shame. It’s a real shame,” said Porter. “He was a great kid. Just starting his life. A lot of life in him. Happy. I feel sorry for his parents.”
Police were called to the scene just after 6:30 a.m. Thursday. A passing driver called and told police they saw a car that looked like it crashed off of the roadway. Police said the caller did not see the crash happen.
Branford police and firefighters responded and found three people dead on the scene.
Branford Police said the South Central Regional Traffic Team is at the beginning of an in-depth and lengthy investigation, but they’ve concluded speed was a factor.
Drivers told FOX61 they worry the notoriously treacherous conditions of Hosley Avenue may have also played a role. They said pothole problems have been a known issue for years.
“It's been a mess forever, as long as I can remember. That’s so sad,” remarked Katherine DiLungo of North Branford.
"Growing up here, this road used to be like the moon. It was full of craters. As kids, we drove down here and shut the lights off because it’s pitch black. You can’t see a thing. It was all fun and games, like they say, until someone loses an eye,” said John Demartin of East Haven.
Branford Police Department says they recognize the impact of this tragedy and encourage anyone who may need counseling to reach out to their police social worker.
Anyone with any information in reference to the crash is encouraged to call Sgt. Christopher Romanello at 203-481-4241.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.