The scene Friday off Roosevelt Drive (Route 34). This photo was posted by a reader on Valley Indy Facebook.
SEYMOUR — On Saturday the police department released the names of two people who died Friday after their vehicle became submerged in the Housatonic River.
The victims were identified as Monroe residents Connie Crowell, 54, and her son, John Crowell, 22.
The incident remains under investigation and witnesses are being asked to call police at 203 881 7638.
Fire, police and EMS converged on 179 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34) at about 3:43 p.m. Friday after receiving a report of a vehicle in the water with people trapped inside.
According to emergency radio dispatchers, a Seymour police officer and two firefighters commandeered a person’s boat in order to reach the vehicle, which was upside down in the water.
Rescue crews were able to get a “tag” line attached to the vehicle, which was floating down river with the current, according to radio dispatches. The vehicle was then pulled toward the shore.
“Divers were able to locate two occupants inside the submerged vehicle and brought them to shore,” according to a written statement from Seymour Police Deputy Chief Roberto N. Rinaldi. “Once on shore, medical personnel rendered medical assistance to the victims but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and they were both pronounced dead at the scene.”
John Crowell, known as “Jack” to family and friends, had special needs and graduated from Masuk High School in 2017, according to a story by The Monroe Sun.
His mother, Connie, was well-known for her work in Monroe for her efforts with Alcohol and Drug Awareness of Monroe (ADAM), according to The Sun.
On Facebook, the organization “Sprint For Monroe” (an annual road race that raises money for local nonprofit groups) expressed condolences and shared photos of Connie and Jack, who participated in the community event.
“Our hearts and prayers go out this morning to the family and friends of Connie and Jack Crowell, who passed suddenly in a tragic car accident yesterday,” the group posted. “Those local to Monroe surely recognize Connie and Jack as they could always be counted on to attend and support local events. Jack won last year’s Ryan Boyle Spirit Award at the 2019 race for his participation and perseverance. Connie and Jack will be greatly missed.”
The post is embedded below.
