Massachusetts Teacher Killed In CT Crash That Involved Police Cruiser

VERNON, CT — The founder and chief executive of a Springfield-based charter school said Monday the education community is mourning the loss of a teacher killed in a harrowing crash between the car she was riding in and a police cruiser rushing to a call the day before in Vernon, CT.

Meanwhile, the names of all those involved were officially released by authorities Monday.

Springfield Prep Charter School Founder and Executive Director Bill Spirer said Bianca Colon-Hernandez taught there.

"We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of one of our Springfield Prep teachers, Bianca Colon-Hernandez, who tragically lost her life in a car accident over the weekend," Spirer said in a letter shared with Patch. "Bianca was a dear colleague, friend and teacher at Springfield Prep, and her death is a devastating loss to our community. As we reflect on her life and mourn with one another, we are offering our students and staff members counseling and support services today and in the days ahead.

"Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, and we ask for everyone’s compassion and understanding for the family’s privacy during this difficult time."

The school's roster lists Colon-Hernandez as a seventh-grade science teacher.

Metro Traffic Services and the Manchester Police Department have taken on the lead investigative role for the crash that took place just before 7 p.m. Sunday in the area of Hartford Turnpike (state Route 30) and Center and Bolton roads in Vernon.

A Vernon police cruiser was on its way to a distressed call for backup at a protective order arrest at the Dobbs Crossing apartment complex at 1170 Hartford Turnpike, and it collided with a compact car. The cruiser sustained heavy damage and the civilian car wound up in a mangled mess in a yard with pieces of it hanging from a tree.

According to Manchester police, the cop involved in the accident is being identified as Officer Andre Lisee, a four-year veteran of the Vernon PD.

The driver of the second vehicle was identified as Phillip Vargas, 33.

The front seat passenger in the second vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene and on Monday was identified as Colon-Hernandez, 26.

A 1-year-old in the car suffered minor injuries, investigators said.

All occupants of the second vehicle were residents of Vernon and immediate family members have been notified, police said.

Vernon police at the scene said the injuries to Lissee and Vargas were not as severe.