Catherine Chafin, Emily Bennett Obituary, Death – Authorities in Maine have identified two women who tragically lost their lives following a crash in Auburn on Wednesday evening. The victims, Catherine Chafin, 57, and Emily Bennett, 44, were clients of John F. Murphy Homes, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as autism spectrum disorder.
The Auburn Police Department reported that the crash occurred around 6:55 p.m. near the intersection of Washington Street and Beech Hill Road. According to investigators, a 2016 Honda Odyssey van, owned and operated by John F. Murphy Homes, was attempting to cross Washington Street from Beech Hill Road when it moved into the path of a southbound 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The collision was severe, involving five individuals across the two vehicles.
Chafin, a passenger in the van, was immediately taken by ambulance to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston. Sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Bennett, the second passenger, was also transported to CMMC with critical injuries. She succumbed to those injuries early Thursday morning.
The two women had been returning home from a local bingo event when the crash occurred, according to John F. Murphy Homes CEO Todd Goodwin. The organization confirmed that the women were roommates and deeply cherished members of the group home community. Goodwin shared that one of the women also worked part-time at the organization’s central office. He described both as kind, warm-hearted individuals who had made a lasting impression on many people.
“They were delightful women,” Goodwin said. “They were much loved by a lot of people, not only in our organization but in this community. This is a devastating loss.”
Two employees from John F. Murphy Homes were also in the van at the time of the crash. The driver, 21-year-old Stela Kakhuba, and her colleague, 19-year-old Wardha Yussuf, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were also taken to CMMC for treatment. Both staff members were reportedly shaken and heartbroken over the tragic loss of the clients they were transporting.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, 50-year-old Jason Plummer of Salisbury, Massachusetts, was not seriously hurt. He did not require hospitalization, according to police.
The crash has sparked renewed concerns about traffic safety at the intersection of Washington Street and Beech Hill Road. Data from the Maine Department of Transportation indicates that the location has already been the site of 14 crashes in 2024 alone. These previous incidents resulted in 10 injuries, and the most recent crash has now added two fatalities to that total.
Longtime residents of the area have echoed these concerns. James Arel, who has lived near the intersection for over two decades, stated that the current flashing red light at Beech Hill Road is insufficient in preventing collisions. Arel argued that a full traffic signal is necessary to manage traffic flow safely and prevent more accidents like Wednesday’s deadly crash.
“There was no need for this to happen,” Arel said. “If there would be a stoplight, I don’t think this would have ever happened.”
In response to the crash, police closed the section of Washington Street between Beech Hill Road and East Hardscrabble Road for several hours, reopening the roadway around 10:30 p.m. Investigators worked through the night to collect evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the impact.
The Auburn Police Department is leading the investigation into the crash, with support from the Lewiston Police Department. Officials have not yet determined whether charges will be filed or if other contributing factors, such as visibility or speed, played a role in the incident.
John F. Murphy Homes is also conducting its own internal review. The organization is focused on supporting grieving staff and residents as they come to terms with the deaths of two individuals who were not just clients but beloved members of their extended family.
Goodwin emphasized the emotional toll the crash has taken on both staff and clients, noting that the two staff members involved are deeply affected. “Everyone’s in shock,” he said. “We’re trying to process and come to terms with what happened.”
As the community grieves, the loss of Chafin and Bennett has prompted calls for immediate safety improvements at the dangerous intersection. Local officials may face increased pressure to install a full traffic light to help prevent future tragedies.
In the meantime, friends, family, and caregivers are remembering Chafin and Bennett for the joy and warmth they brought to others. Their loss leaves a significant void in the lives of those who knew and cared for them. Memorial services are expected to be announced in the coming days.