Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS: Springfield resident Stephanie Croteau was killed on Friday, October 6, resulting from a tragic collision involving a single car that happened at around 12.10 am near Parker and Cooley Streets, as per to the Springfield Police Department.
Just hours ago, she had posted a tribute for her late daughter. Three of Stephanie's children were involved in the murder-suicide in August on Berkshire Avenue, as reported by MassLive.
Stephanie, who leaves behind two children, was the only occupant of the vehicle, and according to authorities, she died from her injuries on the spot.
Her family has requested privacy and is coordinating with the mayor's office to respond to press queries and other inquiries.
A GoFundMe has been created for Stephanie's family and a total of $2,135 out of the $10,000 goal has been raised at the time of writing the article.
"Stephanie Croteau, our rock and entire world passed. She is now in peace with her daughter Aubrie and Kim Marie Fairbanks," reads the description of the campaign.
It adds, "She had an army of angels waiting for her. There are absolutely no words than can describe the pain and devastation the Croteau family is feeling."
On Friday night, people from Stephanie's family, friends, and even strangers gathered to commemorate her as prayer lights and flowers marked the location.
Stephanie Croteau recently lost her 10-year-old daughter to a murder-suicide
In August, tragedy befell Stephanie Croteau and her family when Victor Nieves, 34, one of her neighbors in Springfield, Massachusetts, opened fire on her mother, her three children, aged 12, 10, and 5, and their family dog.
Nieves shot and killed her mother, Kim Fairbanks, 52, and severely wounded her 10-year-old daughter, Aubrianna Lynn Serra, as per The Mirror. The man, who apparently suffered from mental instability as per his girlfriend Monica Sanchez, then turned the gun on himself and killed himself.
Stephanie stated at the time that her 12-year-old daughter was shot in the abdomen while attempting to defend her siblings, and Aubrianna was hit in the chest. Her 5-year-old boy suffered no harm.
Days later, on August 17, Aubrianna died after battling for her life in a nearby hospital while in critical condition.
The devastated mother continued to post memorials to her deceased mother and daughter on Facebook multiple times a day, as well as updates on how she and her kids were handling their grief.
"Cuddles with Aubrie," was the last message Stephanie put on Facebook as a heartbreaking homage to her murdered daughter hours before she would die in a car crash.
The photo in the post included Stephanie's two other young kids curled together on a blanket over their sister's grave, with a few teddy bears in the distance close to the burial spot.
Stephanie Croteau shared an emotional tribute after the death of her daughter
After Aubrianna Lynn died, Stephanie Croteau took to Facebook to write, "You were the lightness to everyone's darkness. You always were able to put a smile on everyone's face. My baby. My love. My little Nani. You came into this world fight and you left this world fighting."
She added, "There's nothing I really have to say because I am just so heartbroken and I am so speechless. I never imagined I would have had to bury one of my children. I love you my fierce girl. You were a warrior."
In another post shared on October 4, Stephanie thanked everyone for their support over the past few months as they have shown their sympathy for her situation.
It read, "I have just started to go through the thousands of messages of the outpouring of love and support from everyone in the community and elsewhere. I appreciate every single one of you for reaching out. everyday is hard. It doesn't seem to be better, but I'm surviving. So thank you."
