Newington High School Senior and Family Perish in Tragic Three-Vehicle Crash
The Newington, Connecticut, community is reeling from a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of four individuals, including three family members, in a horrific three-vehicle crash on Saturday morning. Among the victims were Gabriela Difo, a vibrant senior at Newington High School, her mother, Florinda Tineo, and her aunt, Jeannette Tineo. The loss of these beloved family members, originally from Yamasá, Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, and nieces of Dominican Senator Pedro Tineo, has sent shockwaves through both local and international communities. The accident, which occurred just before 10 a.m. at the intersection of Willard Avenue, also known as Route 173, and Greenlawn Avenue, has left residents mourning and searching for answers.
Newington Police Department officers responded swiftly to the scene at approximately 9:02 a.m. after receiving reports of a severe collision. Upon arrival, they encountered a chaotic scene involving three vehicles and five occupants. Despite the immediate efforts of first responders to administer life-saving measures, four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. One person sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site, though their identity has not been disclosed. The police have not yet released the name of the fourth victim, pending notification of next of kin, adding to the somber uncertainty surrounding the incident.
Gabriela Difo, described by school officials as a bright and promising student, was weeks away from graduating high school. Her mother, Florinda Tineo, and aunt, Jeannette Tineo, were integral parts of their close-knit family, which has deep roots in the Dominican Republic. The connection to Senator Pedro Tineo, a prominent figure in Dominican politics, has drawn attention to the tragedy across borders, with condolences pouring in from the Caribbean nation. The family’s heritage and their contributions to the Newington community have made their loss profoundly felt.
The crash site, a busy intersection in a residential area, was closed for several hours between Robbins Avenue and Wilson Avenue as investigators worked to piece together the circumstances of the collision. Tire marks and shattered glass littered Willard Avenue, stark reminders of the violence of the impact. Local residents, many of whom witnessed the aftermath, placed flowers at the scene, creating an impromptu memorial to honor the lives lost. The Newington Police Department is actively investigating the cause of the crash and has urged anyone with information to contact Officer Lambros at 860-594-6229. Authorities have not yet released details about the sequence of events or potential factors such as speed, road conditions, or driver error.
Newington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maureen Brummett issued a heartfelt statement, expressing the district’s grief over the loss of Gabriela, Florinda, and Jeannette. She noted that Gabriela’s younger sister, Grace Difo, a junior at Newington High School, and Jeannette’s son, Jayriel Garcia, a freshman, were not involved in the crash but are grappling with unimaginable loss. The school district has mobilized crisis support teams, including counselors and community resources, to assist students and staff when classes resume on Monday. Principal Terra Tigno and her administrative team are coordinating efforts to provide ongoing support to the affected families and the broader school community.
The tragedy has resonated deeply in Newington, a tight-knit town where such incidents are rare. State Representative Gary Turco, whose district includes parts of Newington, expressed his condolences, emphasizing the profound impact of the crash on the community, particularly during the holiday weekend. The outpouring of grief has been accompanied by a collective resolve to support the surviving family members and honor the memories of those lost.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about what led to this catastrophic collision. The Newington community, alongside the victims’ extended family in the Dominican Republic, is left to mourn the loss of four lives cut short. For now, the focus remains on remembering Gabriela, Florinda, Jeannette, and the unidentified fourth victim, whose legacies will endure in the hearts of those they touched.
