A 62-year-old New York woman tragically lost her life in a head-on collision Monday night along Ball Pond Road in New Fairfield, according to Connecticut State Police. The victim has been identified as Diane K. Staab of Mahopac, N.Y.
The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Ball Pond Road and Harvest Road, located less than a mile from the New York state line. Staab was driving a 2017 Jeep Compass southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, her vehicle collided head-on with a 2024 Hyundai Palisade traveling northbound, police said.
Emergency responders from New Fairfield arrived quickly but were unable to save Staab. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Hyundai and two passengers, all residents of New Fairfield, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Danbury Hospital for treatment, authorities reported.
The crash resulted in the temporary closure of Ball Pond Road as investigators from Connecticut State Police examined the scene. Initial reports have not determined the cause of the collision, and officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the accident.
The fatal crash has left the local community in shock. Residents expressed concern about safety on the roadway, with some describing Ball Pond Road as a busy and potentially hazardous route. “It’s heartbreaking to hear about such a tragedy so close to home,” one resident shared.
Connecticut State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to contact Troop A at 203-267-2200. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided to shed light on the cause of this devastating accident.