The East Haven community is grieving the death of a five-year-old boy after he was hit by a car on Thursday afternoon.
East Haven Police identified the 5-year-old as Cooper Villano. Police said the crash happened on Foxon Road around 3:30 p.m. on September 17.
On Friday, community members were seen placing flowers, candles and teddy bears at the corner of Bennett Road, directly in front of where the crash happened.
“Its just difficult, it’s never something you hear about especially in our community, he’s loved, he’s so loved,” Gina Macholl said.
Neighbor Gloria Cruz lives directly in front of Foxon Road and described the moment she heard the impact of the crash.
“I was about to give my granddaughter a glass of juice when we both jumped and the glass dropped on the floor and I looked outside my glass windows and I saw everyone running to the stop sign.”
Cruz described the neighborhood as one big family.
“I’m going to miss that little angel coming down the street with his little sister and stroller and mommy pushing them down the street to get his brother,” said Cruz.
“The ballfield will feel different without him. There will be an empty spot in the dugout. An empty place on the field. And a space in our Little League family that can never truly be filled. We know there are no words that can ease the pain his family is experiencing right now. We can only surround them with love, support, and the knowledge that he will always be remembered as one of ours,” the East Haven Little League said.
