Tragedy in Newington: Four Killed in Devastating Three-Vehicle Crash, Including Three Family Members
NEWINGTON, CT — A community is in mourning following a heartbreaking multi-vehicle crash in Newington that claimed the lives of four people, three of whom were close relatives, early Saturday morning. The victims have been identified as Gabriela Difo, a senior at Newington High School; her mother, Florinda Tineo; and her aunt, Jeannette Tineo. A fourth victim, whose identity has not yet been released publicly, also died in the tragic collision.
The devastating crash occurred just before 10 a.m. at the intersection of Willard Avenue (Route 173) and Greenlawn Avenue. Authorities say three vehicles were involved in the incident, and by the time first responders arrived on scene, it was already clear that the situation was dire. Despite rapid and valiant life-saving efforts, all four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
An additional individual sustained minor injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash, which has shaken the town and beyond.
The victims hailed from Yamasá, Monte Plata, in the Dominican Republic, and held strong ties to both Newington and their heritage. They were also closely connected to Dominican politics—Gabriela, Florinda, and Jeannette were nieces of Dominican Senator Pedro Tineo, a prominent figure in their home country. In a public statement, Senator Tineo expressed “unimaginable grief” and thanked those offering condolences, asking for prayers and privacy for the family during this devastating time.
A Promising Life Cut Short
The loss of Gabriela Difo, just months away from her high school graduation, has struck a particularly painful chord in the Newington community. Teachers and classmates at Newington High School describe her as bright, ambitious, and kind-hearted, someone with a promising future and a magnetic energy. She had plans for college, dreams of giving back to her community, and a deep love for her Dominican roots.
“She was the light of our class,” said one of her teachers, visibly emotional. “Her loss is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a loss to the future we all believed in.”
School counselors have been made available to students and staff struggling to process the tragedy. A memorial is also being planned on school grounds to honor Gabriela’s life and legacy.
A Family Mourned
Florinda and Jeannette Tineo were described by family and friends as pillars of strength, love, and resilience. They were known for their deep devotion to their family and their infectious warmth within the community. The sisters had come to the U.S. in search of opportunity and had become beloved members of the Newington area.
Family members are devastated, grappling not only with the magnitude of the loss but also with the circumstances—so sudden and senseless.
“This isn’t just the loss of one person,” a family spokesperson said. “We lost three generations of women—each one vibrant, each one irreplaceable.”
Community Response
Since the news broke, a wave of support has swept through Newington. Friends, neighbors, and complete strangers have brought flowers, candles, and handwritten notes to the crash site. Vigils are being planned both in Connecticut and in Yamasá to remember the lives lost.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family with funeral expenses and the transportation of remains, as the family considers laying them to rest in the Dominican Republic. Donations have poured in, reflecting the community’s deep sorrow and desire to offer help in any way possible.
Ongoing Investigation
Newington Police and crash reconstruction teams are working diligently to determine exactly what led to the tragic crash. While no official statement has been released regarding the cause, officials have indicated that the collision occurred at a busy intersection and are exploring whether speed, distraction, or another factor played a role.
The intersection at Willard and Greenlawn Avenues has long been a subject of concern for local residents, with many calling for improved safety measures. In light of the recent tragedy, those calls are growing louder.
“We cannot allow this to happen again,” said one resident at a community gathering. “These lives were precious. Their loss must lead to change.”
A Time to Grieve, A Time to Remember
As investigations continue, the focus for many remains on honoring the lives of Gabriela, Florinda, Jeannette, and the fourth unidentified victim. For their loved ones, the pain is still fresh, and the healing will be a long road.
Yet amidst the grief, there is also love. Love for who they were, for the memories they created, and for the legacy they leave behind.
In the words of Senator Pedro Tineo: “They were the heart of our family. May their souls find peace, and may we find strength in their memory.”
The community of Newington stands united in that hope.