Fast-acting driver rescues two after head-on collision

Two Subarus collided on Route 41 in Salisbury.
Photo by Ellen Blais


Two Subarus collided on Route 41 in Salisbury.
SALISBURY — Two people are hospitalized after a two-car crash on Route 41 north of Hosier Road.
According to the accident report obtained from Troop B, Benjamin Schawinsky, 85, was driving north on Route 41 when he crossed into the southbound lane, striking 77-year-old Robert Snyder’s vehicle in a head-on collision on Friday, July 12 just after 4 p.m.
Both were alone in their vehicles and taken to Sharon hospital by EMS. Cory Murphy was on his way to pick up his son from school when the collision happened.
“There was a flash of light out of the corner of my eye and then I looked through at the driver in front of me through his back windows and saw another car coming right at him,” Murphy said. “It was a huge crash.”
Murphy then pulled off the road, jumped out of his vehicle and started to assist the drivers before EMS could make it to the scene. “I checked all his windows and doors and they were all locked,” Murphy said of Snyder’s vehicle. So Murphy reached through the shattered passenger window, unlocked the car and dragged Snyder onto the bank on the side of the road.
A fire had erupted in Snyder’s vehicle just after the crash. Murphy said just after he pulled the two drivers from their cars, the fire grew and exploded. “I just did what I had to do,” Murphy said.
Murphy waited for emergency responders and state police to show up to assist and give information. “Then I went and picked my son up and got him some ice cream,” Murphy said.
Schawinsky has been transferred to an acute care facility. Snyder is still hospitalized at Sharon Hospital.
Riley Klein
Olivia Brooks running the 3200m
NEW BRITAIN – Several Housatonic Valley Regional High School track and field athletes made the podium at states Monday, June 1.
In total, 18 athletes from HVRHS competed at Willow Brook Park in New Britain for the 2026 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Council Class S track and field championships.
Ryan Segalla placed 2nd in the boys 400-meter with a time of 48.28 seconds. He also placed 3rd in the boys 200-meter at 22.45 seconds.
Ava Segalla placed 2nd in the girls 100-meter race with a time of 12.47 seconds. She also placed 6th in the girls high jump by clearing 5-feet.
Anthony Labbadia placed 2nd in the boys triple jump with a distance of 43-feet 8-inches. He also placed 5th in the boys long jump with a distance of 21-feet 2.5-inches.
Simon Markow placed 9th in the boys high jump by clearing 5-feet 9-inches.
The girls 4x400-meter relay team finished 10th with a time of 4:33.34 minutes. The runners were McKenzie Lotz, Maddy Johnson, Keely Malone and Addie Diorio.
The girls 4x100-meter relay team finished 9th with a time of 52.69 seconds. The runners were McKenzie Lotz, Ava Segalla, Olivia Simonds and Keely Malone.
The boys 4x100-meter relay team finished 12th with a time of 45.43 seconds. The runners were Joseph Villa, Ryan Segalla, Cole Simonds and Anthony Labbadia.
The girls 4x800-meter relay team finished 12th with a time of 10:51.16 minutes. The runners were Maddy Johnson, Addie Diorio, Hannah Johnson and Olivia Brooks.
Brooks placed 14th in the girls 3200-meter with a time of 12:56.52 minutes.
In the girls 800-meter, Brooks placed 19th at 2:36.23 minutes and Maddy Johnson was right behind her in 20th at 2:36.25 minutes.
Silas Tripp placed 18th in the boys 800-meter with a time of 2:11.76 minutes.
In the boys 1600-meter, Tripp placed 18th at 4:48.98 minutes and Finian Malone placed 25th at 4:56.18 minutes.
The boys 4x400-meter relay team finished 27th with a time of 4:05.96. The runners were Donald Polk III, Alastair Schnepf, Owen Schnepf and Simon Markow.
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.
Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.
Anita is survived by her son Raymond Gochey and his fiancee’ Chris Filkins of Hinsdale, Massachusetts; and her daughter Michele O’Brien of Sharon. She is also survived by her sister Denise Warner of Torrington and her brother Arthur King of Danbury. Her three grandchildren, Kyle Gochey of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Cody O’Brien of Georgia, and Sabrina O’Brien of Falls Village. Anita was predeceased by her brother, Martin King.
A Celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Saturday June 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
Lakeville Journal
SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.
A graduate of Brookfield High School, Susanne went on to work as a travel agent, a career perfectly suited to her adventurous spirit and love of discovering the world. She especially cherished her travels to Australia, London, and Hawaii, creating memories that she carried throughout her life.
Susanne had a lifelong passion for antiques and found joy in collecting and appreciating beautiful pieces filled with history and character. She was also deeply devoted to her beloved Boston Terriers, whom she lovingly raised and cared for over many years. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of the dogs she adored.
Above all else, Susanne treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Tayfun Berberoglu Sr.; her loving daughter, Jennifer; her son, Tayfun Berberoglu Jr.; and her cherished granddaughters, Faora and Sybella. Her love, kindness, strength, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Susanne will be remembered for her caring nature, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals. Her memory will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.

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Lakeville Journal
Lakeville Journal
SALISBURY — Rafael Porro passed away on January 6, 2026.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved Rafael to join them in remembering and celebrating his life.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Lakeville Journal

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