Beloved Simsbury Football Coach Mourned After Crash Into Woods

SIMSBURY, CT — Local police said the 44-year-old man involved in last week's serious motor vehicle accident, in which he was trapped in his vehicle in the woods overnight, has died.

Colin Stephenson, 44, a beloved youth football coach and supporter of local youth baseball, has been identified by police as the victim.

According to the Simsbury Police Department, officers received a call at 8:02 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, regarding an adult male who had not returned home. Police announced Stephenson's death on Friday, Oct. 3.

The SPD began investigating and utilized license plate reading cameras and emergency Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

Police said they were able to pinpoint the vehicle's last known location, which was 3 Overlook Terrace.

Police said the vehicle, which was hidden from view of the road, was found off the roadway in a wooded area near the intersection of Bushy Hill Road and Overlook Terrace.

Meanwhile, both Simsbury Youth Football & Cheer and Simsbury Little League baseball mourned the death of Stephenson, who was active with both organizations.

Stephenson was a youth football coach in the league and was also a supporter of Little League baseball, even after his son graduated from the program.

"The Simsbury Youth Football family is heartbroken by the loss of one of our own this week. We are mourning the passing of a beloved coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend, Colin Stephenson," wrote Simsbury Youth Football & Cheer on its Facebook page.

"Colin coached hard, but he loved harder. He was fierce, loyal, and passionate, everything you could hope for in a coach. He brought an intensity that inspired everyone around him, yet he always made sure every child felt seen, valued, and included. He touched countless young lives in our community, and his presence left a lasting mark on the Simsbury football family."

Simsbury Little League also paid tribute to Stephenson.

"Simsbury Little League extends its deepest condolences to the Stephenson family. Colin had been a fixture at Memorial over the years and was a proud supporter of the program, even after his son's baseball days were over. Colin's positivity, support, and smile will be missed by all who knew him," wrote Simsbury Little League via Facebook.

A fundraising page has been set up to help the Stephenson family during their time of loss.

The page was set up via the Meal Train fundraising website, and donations of food and funds can be arranged through the website.

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"During this difficult time, we hope to ease their burden and give them some space while they grieve and heal. You can help by preparing a meal, making a donation, or providing the family with a gift card to a local restaurant," reads the Meal Train page for the family.

"A cooler/container will be provided near the driveway for the ease of the family."

The accident is still under investigation, and anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Simsbury Police Sgt. Laurel Harrington at 860-658-3112 or lharrington@pd.simsbury-ct.gov.

To help the Stephenson family via Meal Train, click on this link.

From Sept. 30: 'Man Spends Night In Woods Inside Wrecked Vehicle: Simsbury PD'