A Massachusetts family is grief-stricken after a second tragedy took another one of their loved ones in less than two months. Stephanie Croteau died in a single-car crash just after midnight on October 6. Sadly, she lost her 10-year-old daughter, Aubrianna Lynn Serra, and mother, Kim Fairbanks, after a crazed neighbor, Victor Nieves, opened fire on their home and shot himself.
Croteau leaves behind two children: a 12-year-old daughter, Michelle, who was also injured in the gun attack, and a 5-year-old son, CJ, who was not hurt. Family and friends are devastated by the most recent death but hope that the mother of three was reunited in heaven with her mom and little girl.
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Croteau was involved in a single-car crash.
She apparently died at the accident scene in the Sixteen Acres neighborhood in Springfield just after midnight, according to WWLP. Her car reportedly flipped and landed on a home's lawn. She was the only person in the car.
Croteau's death caused great sorrow.
The fatal accident left two children without a mother and many more heartbroken, as she died just weeks after her mom and daughter.
"There are no words to express what the Croteau family must be going through. Our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, sympathy and words of encouragement go out to the family, especially to the children," Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno shared in a statement posted to Facebook. On behalf of the family, please I ask for everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time. Although they appreciate the outreach and support, they need time to heal. My administration along with Francena Brown from Families Against Violence will continue to work with and support the Croteau family through this tragic time."
Croteau shared her grief on social media in the months leading up to her death.
Through several Facebook posts, she wrote about losing her mom and daughter and trying to move on with her life.
"What I have been through, it has taught me not to live with animosity towards anyone anymore. It's draining. If we didn't work out, I rather stay friends," she wrote on September 25. "If our friendship didn't work out, I still rather stay on a some kind of good term. Life really is too short to hold grudges. What is meant to happen will happen."
Just one day before she died, she shared a message with loved ones.
"I have just started to go through the thousands of messages of the outpouring of love and support from everyone in the community and elsewhere," she wrote on Facebook. I appreciate every single one of you for reaching out. everyday is hard. It doesn't seem to be better, but I'm surviving. So thank you."
Her death came as a shock to many.
Friends and loved ones dedicated posts to the young mother and her family on social media. Friend Melissa Lopez, shared photos and a message.
"These are just some of the photos I have that she would send to me. I have many more saved to my phone but we talk about everything and anything. From morning until nighttime She would tell me how she was feeling and going through and I would listen to it all. I just wanted to support her and create a safe space for her," she wrote. "She would always listen to me as well it was like we knew each other for a lifetime. Now I'm left with memories. There wasn't enough time what I would give for your hug right now and one more kiss on yourforehead. Or just to be able to hold you I would hold on a little tighter," she wrote.
Friend Johnny Sifuentes shared that she died on his birthday and it will never be the same.
"I'm screaming I'm crying and raging at the sky not you not on my birthday best friend literally I'm so f—ing sorry nobody knows how f—ing torn I am this is F—ING killing me slow I'm sorry Michelle and CJ God help us please Stephanie Croteau," he wrote.
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Loved ones created fundraisers for the family.
Christopher Serra, Croteau's husband, started the fundraiser to help offset final expenses. He spoke of the devastation of losing his daughter and mother-in-law, and the loss of his partner was too much to take.
"I want you to know Steph just like I know her. We were together for 12 years and raised three beautiful, amazing children. Our relationship had its ups and downs, but she was always my rock," he wrote on the page. "Steph had this amazing energy, charisma, and wit that made her truly special. She made every effort to show up for her children, family, and friends. Even in her weakest moments, she showed the strength of a lion. Everyone who met her can attest to the lasting impact she made.
"Michelle and CJ will undoubtedly feel a profound void in their lives that no one can fill," he continued. "It breaks my heart to know that their mom won't be there to provide comfort during Michelle's first heartbreak or to fix her veil on her wedding day. And CJ won't have his mother in the stands, cheering him on and beaming with pride as he wins his first game. It's truly heartbreaking."
He has raised $3,100 of a $20,000 goal thus far. A second GoFundMe page, created by Amberlea Eisenhaure, raised nearly $4,400 before it stopped taking donations.
