Gabriela Difo, Jeannette Tineo Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identities of the four individuals who lost their lives in a tragic multi-vehicle crash that occurred in Newington, Connecticut, on Saturday morning.
The deadly collision took place around 9 a.m. at the intersection of Willard Avenue and Greenlawn Avenue. Emergency crews, including local firefighters and police officers, responded quickly to the scene, where they discovered the crash involved three separate vehicles.
Sadly, four people were pronounced dead as a result of the crash. The victims have been identified as 17-year-old Gabriela Difo, 50-year-old Florinda Tineo, and 48-year-old Jeannette Tineo, all from Newington, as well as 56-year-old Maritza Smith, a resident of New Britain.
According to officials from Newington Public Schools, Gabriela Difo was a senior at Newington High School. The district also confirmed that two of the other victims—Florinda and Jeannette Tineo—were Difo’s mother and aunt, respectively. The devastating loss has deeply impacted the school community, with students and staff mourning the sudden death of a promising young student and her family members.
In response to the tragedy, the school district announced that counseling and crisis support services would be available starting Monday for those affected. School officials acknowledged the grief and shock felt across the district and emphasized the importance of providing emotional support as students and staff begin to process the heartbreaking news.
The fourth victim, Maritza Smith, was identified as a resident of nearby New Britain. Authorities have not yet shared how each individual was involved in the crash, including which vehicle they were traveling in, as the investigation into the collision remains ongoing.
One other person involved in the incident sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. No further details about this individual or their involvement have been released at this time.
Following the crash, police closed off a section of Willard Avenue between Robbins Avenue and Wilson Avenue for several hours to allow for a thorough investigation and to clear the wreckage. The road has since reopened to traffic, but the investigation continues.
The Mid-State Accident Reconstruction Squad is actively investigating the circumstances that led to the deadly crash. Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events and what may have caused the three vehicles to collide. They are examining vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any available surveillance footage from the area. At this time, authorities have not disclosed whether speeding, distracted driving, weather, or any other contributing factors played a role.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has any information that could assist in the investigation to contact Officer Lambros at (860) 594-6229. Eyewitness accounts or additional evidence could be crucial in understanding how the collision occurred.
The tragic accident has shaken the Newington community, especially with the loss of a high school student and members of her family. Residents have begun expressing condolences and sharing memories of the victims on social media and within the local community. Vigils or memorials may be planned in the coming days to honor those lost.
Newington High School administrators described Gabriela Difo as a bright and compassionate student who had a strong presence in the school. Her unexpected passing has left a profound impact on classmates, teachers, and staff members who knew her.
The crash also serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety and attentiveness behind the wheel. Community members and local leaders have voiced concern over the frequency of serious accidents in the area and hope the investigation will shed light on how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
While the community mourns, authorities continue their efforts to provide answers. Updates are expected as more information becomes available through the ongoing investigation.
In the meantime, the Newington school district and local officials are focused on helping those affected through support services and ensuring students feel safe and supported in the wake of the tragedy. The town is now united in grief, remembering the lives lost and offering strength and solidarity to the families left behind.