Blumenthal: U.S. State department to help Bridgeport family whose relatives were killed in Florida crash
The crash in Palm Beach County left nine people dead, seven of them who were from Bridgeport, officials said.
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The U.S. State Department is assisting a Bridgeport family whose loved ones were killed in a crash Monday night in Florida, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Saturday.
The crash in Palm Beach County left nine people dead, seven of them who were from Bridgeport, officials said.
"Lloyd Hall is facing a personal tragedy so enormous, there are no words to describe it, which is why I'm working with Rev. [Herron] Gaston to help get this family whatever assistance they need -- including help from the U.S. State Department, and potentially other federal agencies," Blumenthal said.
Gaston said he's helping to coordinate "a massive logistical effort" centered around transporting some of the victims' bodies from Florida to Connecticut. Some will possibly be sent, ultimately, to Jamaica, which he described as the family's homeland.
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"The logistical challenge is immense, and may also include travel by surviving family members to Jamaica. We are doing everything we can to ease the enormous burden of their shock and grief," Gaston said.
Blumenthal said the U.S. State Department is involved in the effort due to the need for "expedited travel or shipping arrangements."
The victims were in Florida celebrating a birthday when the Ford Explorer they were traveling in somehow lost control, veered off the road and then flipped over, landing in a ravine, officials said.
Gaston said he is also working to provide "long-term counseling" for the family members impacted by the tragedy.
The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the crash.
