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Warrant details moments leading up to deadly Labor Day boat crash in Old Saybrook

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Warrant details moments leading up to deadly Labor Day boat crash in Old Saybrook


A newly released arrest warrant details what led up to a Labor Day boat crash in Old Saybrook that left three people dead on Sept. 2.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Environmental Conservation Police arrested Clayton Hackling, 26, of Lyme, on Wednesday.

The crash happened at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook on Sept. 2.

Nine people were on the boat when it crashed in the area of the break wall at the mouth of the Connecticut River, according to DEEP. Six people were rescued from the water.

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Christopher Hallahan, 34, of Westbrook, Ian Duchemin, 25, of Oakdale, and Ryan Britagna, 24, of Waterford were killed in the crash.

DEEP said Hackling was driving the boat.

A woman on the boat sent a Snapchat to a friend minutes before the crash, saying “I feel unsafe,” the warrant reads.

Hackling allegedly started drinking alcohol at a restaurant in Block Island around 1:30 p.m. on the day of the crash. He later insisted on driving the boat by pushing another man out of the way and “becoming loud,” the warrant says.

Authorities said there was discussion about the boat’s GPS not working, so it was turned off and Hackling kept on driving, eventually hitting the break wall, according to the warrant. They were speeding at the time of the crash, going about 50 mph while traveling toward the mouth of the Connecticut River.

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The area where the crash happened was a “no-wake” zone, meaning boats aren’t supposed to travel at speeds greater than six miles per hour, according to authorities.

A toxicology report revealed that Hackling had a blood alcohol content of .19%, which is above the legal limit.

Investigators conducted a digital forensics examination of the boat’s GPS data and determined that it was “functioning properly before, during and after the time of the collision,” according to the warrant. Authorities also learned that Hackling was trying to enter the Connecticut River outside of the designated area.

The warrant goes on to say that Hackling reported suffering from an “unknown chest issue,” which was later determined to be consistent with blunt force trauma. He was admitted to the hospital with visible head trauma, pelvis bruising, a collapsed lung, injuries to the bladder dome and small intestine, as well as an orbital fracture and cuts to the left eye and scalp, according to the warrant.

“The location of Clayton Hackling’s injuries is consistent with an impact to the vessel steering wheel and previously mentioned stabilizer bar,” the warrant reads.

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A warrant was issued on Tuesday and Hackling turned himself in at Troop F on Wednesday.

He was charged with three counts of manslaughter in the second degree with a vessel, three counts of reckless operation of a vessel in the first degree while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, three counts of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree, operation of a vessel while under the influence of liquor or drugs, required and authorized lights and rules for preventing collisions.



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Connecticut

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

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Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford


A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.

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I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.

The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.



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Connecticut

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

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Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut


As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.

There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.

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There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.

A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.

In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.

On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.

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The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

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The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery


People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.

The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.

Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.

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After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.

“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.

Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.

The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.



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