Community Rallies To Help Family After Tragedy

WASHINGTON, CT — The community is organizing fundraisers to help a family impacted by tragedy earlier this month.

A young mother, Sadie Fleming and her newborn child, Hudson Fleming, went missing June 8 and were later found suffering serious injuries, police said. The baby died, and his mother remains hospitalized.

First Selectman Jim Brinton reached out to the community via Facebook on Wednesday asking for help supporting the family.

“A family who has been in Washington for multiple generations has suffered an unthinkable tragedy,” Brinton wrote. “The direct impact on the family has been immense. The broader impact is to our entire community. When something of this magnitude happens, it is truly difficult to comprehend.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help soften the financial burden on the grieving family, according to Brinton.

It has a $100,000 goal, with $1,700 raised as of Wednesday afternoon.

The town is also planning an all-you-can-eat pizza dinner at the Sheila M. Anson River Walk Pavilion on Thursday, June 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The cost is $20 per family or $10 per person. Food and beverages will be served. There will also be raffles to raise money, featuring items donated by individuals and businesses, according to the first selectman.

“One of the hallmarks of our town has been our ability to support those in need,” Brinton said. “We ask that you find it in your hearts to demonstrate that once again.”

In a statement, the Caldara and Fleming family thanked everyone for their help: “To all of the town officials, volunteers, emergency personnel, and caring citizens of our town that came to our aid to help facilitate the rescue of our beloved family members. It speaks volumes of how a small community comes together in the face of adversity and how thankful we are for the love and support you all continue to provide.”

State police on Wednesday said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and they declined to release any new details on what happened to Sadie and Hudson Fleming.

Previously, state police said troopers received a missing persons report about them on June 8. Sadie left her residence between midnight and 7 a.m. with the infant, according to police.

Around 5:45 p.m. on June 8, Sadie Fleming was found on a wooded road in Washington in need of medical attention, and she was transported to a hospital, where she remains. Hudson Fleming was located nearby, near the wood line, police said. The child was also treated on scene and taken to a hospital, but he later died, police said.

Police said there is “no threat to the public.” Anyone who witnessed Sadie Fleming during the time she was missing, or anyone with information, is asked to contact Detective Daniel Koehler at Troop L at 860-626-7900.

• Baby Reported Missing Has Now Died, State Police Say
• Missing Mom And Baby Found But Serious Injuries Reported: Police