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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

Diesel fuel spill shuts two lanes on I-91 north in Wethersfield

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Diesel fuel spill shuts two lanes on I-91 north in Wethersfield


WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.

Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.

The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.

No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.

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Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.

Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.



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Person hospitalized in Westport crash that briefly closed I-95, officials say

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Person hospitalized in Westport crash that briefly closed I-95, officials say


WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials. 

The crash scene has since been cleared.

Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.

One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.

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The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.



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Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers

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Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers


  • Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
  • Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
  • Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.

Deko took to Facebook to share the news.

“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.

This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.

A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”

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