East Haven, Connecticut — A 5-year-old boy died Thursday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while walking home from school, leaving a Connecticut community mourning the loss of a young child remembered for his bright smile and joyful personality.
The crash happened at approximately 3:21 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the intersection of Foxon Road and Bennett Road, according to the East Haven Police Department. Police and fire crews were dispatched after receiving a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
When first responders arrived, they found the child at the intersection.
First Responders Tried to Save the Boy
Firefighter-paramedics from the nearby Foxon Fire Station immediately began lifesaving efforts, according to Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli.
Despite extensive resuscitation efforts at the scene, the child suffered fatal injuries.
“Despite their Herculean efforts and the resuscitation attempts made at the scene, the child sustained fatal injuries,” Marcarelli said in a statement.
The boy was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital as medical personnel continued efforts to save his life. He ultimately died from his injuries, police said.
Authorities later identified him as Cooper Villano of East Haven. Marcarelli described the incident as one that would stay with the firefighters who responded.
“There are calls that firefighters carry with them long after they leave the scene. This is one of those calls,” Marcarelli wrote.
Driver Remained at the Scene
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
According to police, the driver remained at the scene following the collision. The South-Central Connecticut Traffic Unit took over the investigation as authorities worked to determine exactly what happened.
Foxon Road between Hunt Lane and North High Street was closed while investigators examined the scene and gathered evidence.
Police have not indicated that charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Firefighters Receive Support After Tragic Call
The East Haven Fire Department made peer support available to firefighters who responded to the crash, Marcarelli said.
The chief noted that some of the responders have children around the same age as Cooper, adding another emotional dimension to an already devastating call.
“I want our members to know how proud I am of the way they responded today,” Marcarelli said in the statement. “They demonstrated the courage, compassion, professionalism, and dedication that define the East Haven Fire Department.”
Marcarelli emphasized that the firefighters did everything possible to save the child.
“They gave that young boy every chance they could, and they did so under circumstances that were extraordinarily difficult,” Marcarelli wrote.
Community Remembers Cooper Villano
As news of Cooper’s death spread, a memorial began taking shape along Foxon Road.
East Haven resident Gina Macholl was among those who visited to pay her respects. She told the outlet that she had seen Cooper with his family at the local Little League field and remembered him as a child who was “always laughing and smiling, playing.”
Macholl said she wanted to honor the young boy after learning that he had been walking home from school when the tragedy occurred.
“I just wanted to honor little Cooper. He was just walking home from school, doing something he did everyday with his family,” Macholl told.
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The memorial has become a place where residents can pause, remember Cooper and show support for his family.
East Haven Schools Prepare to Support Students
The tragedy has also reached the local school community.
The East Haven Police Department said it has been in contact with administrators at East Haven Public Schools, who were informed of the child’s death and prepared to provide support to students and staff affected by the loss.
For Cooper’s family and those who knew him, the community’s response has become an important reminder that they are not facing the loss alone.
“He’s loved. He’s so loved,” Macholl said.
Authorities have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.
“Most importantly, our hearts are with this young boy’s family and everyone who loves him,” Marcarelli wrote. “No words from us can lessen the unimaginable pain they are experiencing tonight.”
What are your thoughts on the East Haven community coming together to remember Cooper? Share a message of support for his family in the comments.