With profound sadness, family, friends, and members of the Stratford, Connecticut, community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Catherine Palaia, 24, whose life ended following a tragic crash on Interstate 95 in Milford on Sunday night, July 12, 2026.
Catherine’s sudden passing has left a deep sense of grief among those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for the life she lived, the memories she created, and the kindness she shared with the people fortunate enough to have known her.
According to Connecticut State Police, the crash happened at approximately 10:23 p.m. on I-95 South near Exit 41, close to the Milford Service Plaza. Authorities said Catherine was traveling southbound in the left lane in a Toyota RAV4 when a front left tire detached from a Ford F-250 traveling northbound.
Investigators said the detached tire struck multiple vehicles in the northbound lanes before crossing over the concrete Jersey barrier in the median. The tire then struck the front windshield and roof of Catherine’s SUV, causing her vehicle to lose control.
Police said the RAV4 veered across the southbound lanes, struck a guardrail on the right shoulder, then traveled back toward the median before coming to a stop.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Catherine suffered fatal injuries. A Milford Fire Department paramedic pronounced her dead at the scene, and her remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further examination.
The driver of the Ford F-250 and a passenger inside the truck were not injured. Authorities said it remains unclear why the tire detached from the vehicle, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
Multiple agencies, including Connecticut State Police Troop G, the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and the Milford Fire Department, responded to the scene. The roadway was closed for approximately seven hours as investigators worked to collect evidence and reconstruct the crash.
As Catherine’s family and friends navigate this unimaginable loss, they are left with cherished memories of a life that ended far too soon. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she shared and the impact she made will continue to remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
May Catherine Palaia rest in eternal peace.
