On a quiet Sunday in Griswold, Connecticut, tragedy struck. A head-on collision claimed the life of a young Massachusetts woman on what should’ve been a day of celebration—her 21st birthday.
The accident involved two Tesla Model Y vehicles. The local community is grieving, and authorities are still searching for answers.
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now
Connecticut State Police want witnesses to come forward. They’re working to piece together the events that led to this devastating crash.
Details of the Griswold Collision
Investigators say the accident happened on Preston Road, which connects Griswold to towns like Norwich and Preston. According to police, a gray 2024 Tesla Model Y driven by Birenkumar Patel, 42, of Jewett City, veered into the northbound lane.
The Tesla collided head-on with a white 2021 Model Y operated by Daniel Dantas, 23, of Ludlow, Massachusetts. Both drivers only suffered minor injuries.
Passenger Alexis Newcomb of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, wasn’t as fortunate. She was critically hurt and rushed to William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.
Despite emergency treatment, she died later that day. It’s just heartbreaking.
Victim’s Life Cut Short
Alexis Newcomb’s birthday should’ve been a milestone filled with joy, not sorrow. Friends and family in Ashburnham and across Massachusetts are mourning her death, remembering her warmth and the promise she held at just 21 years old.
Police Investigation and Community Appeal
Connecticut State Police are urgently seeking witnesses. Investigators believe firsthand accounts or dash cam footage could be crucial in understanding how—and why—the collision happened.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to call 860-848-6500 and speak directly with officers at Troop E in Montville. They’re hoping someone saw something that can help.
Why Public Assistance Is Vital
Major accidents like this one in Griswold often hinge on eyewitness testimony. Physical evidence can help reconstruct events, but personal accounts provide context—like how a car was moving just before the crash.
Residents from towns including Plainfield, Lisbon, and Voluntown should check any dash cam or security camera recordings from the day of the accident. Sometimes the smallest detail makes all the difference.
Impact on the Griswold Community
In small towns like Griswold and neighboring Jewett City, deadly accidents hit hard. Community members often know the victims or their families, so the loss feels personal.
The ripple effect touches schools, workplaces, and local gathering spots. It really reinforces the shared bond among residents of eastern Connecticut.
Griswold’s roads, like many in Windham County, see daily travel from commuters, students, and families heading to Norwich, Willimantic, or even Hartford. This tragedy reminds us how quickly life can change on familiar routes.
Staying Safe on Connecticut Roads
Investigators haven’t said if speed or distraction played a role, but the incident underscores the importance of vigilance. Local safety advocates in towns like Stonington and Ledyard often stress these tips:
- Stay focused—don’t use your phone or in-vehicle screens unless it’s for navigation.
- Stick to posted speed limits, especially on winding rural roads like Preston Road.
- Keep a safe distance from other cars to allow reaction time.
- Use headlights for visibility, even during daylight if the weather calls for it.
What Comes Next
As police continue their investigation, people in Griswold—and far beyond—are left to grieve. Memorials and vigils may soon be organized, bringing together residents from across New London County, from Groton to Waterford, to remember Alexis Newcomb.
In tragic moments like this, Connecticut’s small-town spirit shines through. Whether by offering information to detectives or simply standing beside grieving families, every act of compassion matters. I think that’s something worth holding onto.
Final Thoughts
The heartbreaking crash on Preston Road should remind drivers all over Connecticut—from Bridgeport to New Haven—to stay alert.
Even familiar roads can turn dangerous in just a few seconds.
Here is the source article for this story: Massachusetts woman killed in head-on crash on 21st birthday
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
