A 5-year-old boy was killed Thursday afternoon after he was struck by a car while walking home from school, according to East Haven police.
Police identified the boy as Cooper Villano, who was struck around 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Foxon Road and Bennett Road. The crash happened down the road from Deer Run School and across from a local firehouse.
A memorial has grown along Foxon Road in the hours since Cooper’s death. What began with a single rose and a small pumpkin has grown to include candles, teddy bears and other tributes from a grieving community.
Firefighters Rush to Help
East Haven Fire Chief Matthew Marcarelli said firefighters heard screams and immediately ran to the scene in an effort to save the boy.
Several paramedics worked to treat Cooper, Marcarelli said, but his injuries were too severe.
“I don’t care what amount of training you have, what amount of experience you have, or how many years you have on the job,” Marcarelli said. “When you see something like that, it’s certainly something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, a very traumatic event.”
Marcarelli said some firefighters knew Cooper and his family. The department brought in peer support to help firefighters cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Neighbor Remembers a Smiling Little Boy
Gina Macholl, an East Haven resident, visited the growing memorial to honor Cooper.
“I just wanted to honor little Cooper. He was just walking home from school, doing something he did every day with his family,” Macholl said.
Macholl said she had seen Cooper at the local Little League field, where he was part of the community.
“I would see them down at the Little League field, part of that community down there. Watch him every day, always laughing and smiling, playing. It hits hard,” she said.
Macholl said she wants Cooper’s family to know they are surrounded by people who care.
“He’s loved. He’s so loved,” she said.
Jenny Kulikowski, with Bobby Crabtree Chevrolet, also visited the memorial.
“We just wanted to come by and show our support,” Kulikowski said.
Support Offered to Cooper’s Family and School Community
The East Haven Academy PTO has created a meal train to help support Cooper’s family during this difficult time.
The East Haven school district is also making support services available to students and staff who may need them following the tragedy.
Police said the driver remained at the scene following the crash. No charges had been filed as of Friday, and the investigation remains ongoing.
