Community Corner
Hebron Man Dies After Boating Accident
Boat crashed into rocks and trees on Saturday.

Editor's note: The following press release was issued Thursday by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
A 40-year-old Hebron man died Wednesday afternoon as the result of injuries suffered in a boating accident Saturday night on Mashapaug Pond, Union, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
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Richard J. Franas Jr. was pronounced dead at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, where he was taken after being injured when the boat he was in crashed into rocks and trees along the shore of Mashapaug Pond at around 11 p.m. Saturday.
The alleged operator of the 17-foot power boat, Michael J. Antol, 41, of Middletown, was treated for minor injuries at Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford, and released. Franas had originally been taken to Johnson Memorial but was then transferred to St. Francis due to the extent of his injuries.
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The accident is being investigated by DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police as well as the State Police.
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