Police in Branford have released the names of three young people killed in a one-car crash that has shocked residents of the coastal town. Two of them were the sons of a well-known Connecticut political reporter.
The Thursday morning crash killed the driver, Megan Povilaitis, 17 and passengers Robert Dudchik, 22 and Anthony Dudchik, 19.
The young men were the sons of WTNH's Capitol Report host Tom Dudchik and his wife, Nora. Dudchik is also publisher of ctcapitolreport.com.
Police say Povilaitis was behind the wheel and speeding when the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve on Hosley Ave. A passerby who did not witness the crash reported coming across the scene at about 6:30 am.
The brothers were adopted, as referenced in a statement by Tom Dudchik released Saturday: "They left us too soon yesterday. We cherish the 15 years they were with us. Today there are countless children who are waiting to be adopted. Please make one of them your forever family, even if it may not be forever."
Before leading lawmakers in a moment of silence late Friday afternoon, House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said, "Tom was chief-of-staff to (Gov. Lowell) Weicker and absolutely loves Connecticut politics... A lot of us can't even put into words... the thought of what he and his family are going through."
Branford police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call Sgt. Christopher Romanello at (203) 481-4241.