The Waterbury community awoke to heartbreak on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as news spread of a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of four young men, including three brothers. The tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours when a BMW sedan, carrying the victims, veered out of control and slammed into Hernandez Market, a small neighborhood store at the corner of Cherry Street and Maple Avenue. The violent impact not only shattered the lives of the victims’ families but also left the tightly knit community grappling with grief and questions about how such a loss could occur.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:47 a.m., as the BMW traveled north on Baldwin Street, crossed the intersection at East Main Street, and continued onto Cherry Street. For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to careen into the market’s storefront. The force of the collision was catastrophic, partially collapsing the building and overturning the car, which became entangled in debris. Emergency responders faced a chaotic scene, with downed power lines and a damaged utility pole complicating rescue efforts. Three of the four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while the fourth was rushed to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Waterbury police identified the victims as brothers Kayden Torres, 20; Nelson Torres, 25; and Noel Torres, 15, along with their friend Jonathan Puszka, 20. All four were residents of Waterbury, and their deaths sent shockwaves through the city. Noel Torres, the youngest victim, was a student in the Waterbury Public School system, prompting the district to offer counseling services to students and staff. Friends and family described the Torres brothers as inseparable, known for their vibrant personalities and ability to light up any room. Puszka, a close friend, was remembered as a loyal companion whose humor and kindness left a lasting impression.
Preliminary investigations point to speed as a significant factor in the crash. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo, addressing the media later that morning, confirmed that surveillance footage suggested the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision. While the vehicle did not appear to be stolen, authorities have not yet determined who was driving or what other factors may have contributed to the loss of control. The Waterbury Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the ongoing investigation, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The physical toll of the crash extended beyond the loss of life. Hernandez Market, a community staple, was left in ruins, its storefront reduced to rubble. The store’s owner, speaking through his wife, Lidia Rodriguez, expressed devastation over the destruction of the business but emphasized their sympathy for the victims’ families. No one was inside the market at the time of the crash, a small mercy amidst the tragedy. Cherry Street remained closed from East Main Street to Walnut Avenue well into the afternoon as crews worked to secure utilities and clear debris.
By Thursday evening, a makeshift memorial began to take shape near the crash site. Community members gathered, leaving candles, balloons, and handwritten notes to honor the young men. Residents described Cherry Street as a busy thoroughfare where speeding is not uncommon, raising concerns about road safety. For many, the loss of the Torres brothers and Puszka underscored the fragility of life and the need for greater caution on the city’s streets.
As Waterbury mourns, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and seeking answers. The investigation will likely take weeks, but the community’s resolve to remember the victims and prevent future tragedies is already evident. The lives of Kayden, Nelson, Noel, and Jonathan, though cut short, will leave an indelible mark on those who knew and loved them.