Cynthia Ferk, Floyd Maxson Obituary, Death: Authorities ID victims of fatal New Haven boat crash.
Cynthia Ferk, Floyd Maxson Obituary, Death – Two Stratford residents have been identified as the victims in a deadly boating accident that occurred Thursday in New Haven Harbor. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) confirmed that 64-year-old Cynthia Ferk and 67-year-old Floyd Maxson died after their boat struck a break wall.
According to authorities, the state police dive team located both victims unresponsive in the water. They were later pronounced dead by the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Initial findings in the investigation indicate that Ferk and Maxson were last seen having dinner at a restaurant in New Haven shortly before the incident. They were traveling by boat between Stratford and Norwalk, but when they failed to return, the Coast Guard was notified, and a search effort was launched.
On Friday morning, officials recovered the boat involved in the crash. It showed significant damage to the front hull, supporting the theory that the vessel collided head-on with the break wall in the harbor.
The Environmental Conservation Police have taken the lead on the investigation. DEEP officials said they are working diligently to determine what led to the crash. They offered their sympathies to the families of Ferk and Maxson, assuring the public that a full investigation will be carried out to uncover all details surrounding the incident.
“This is a tragic loss,” a DEEP spokesperson said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. We remain dedicated to understanding how this occurred and preventing future accidents of this nature.”
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the boat or has information related to the crash to contact DEEP Dispatch at 860-424-3333.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in recreational boating, especially at night or in areas with fixed structures like break walls. Safety officials continue to emphasize the importance of navigational awareness, the use of proper lighting, and adherence to all boating safety protocols to help avoid such fatal outcomes.
As the investigation continues, no further details have been released regarding the exact timeline or cause of the collision. The DEEP and other responding agencies are expected to review surveillance footage, witness statements, and marine conditions at the time of the crash to build a clearer picture of what transpired.
Ferk and Maxson’s deaths have left the Stratford community mourning the loss of two residents known for enjoying life on the water. Friends and neighbors have expressed shock and sadness over the incident, with some remembering the pair as experienced boaters who often spent time exploring Connecticut’s shoreline.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
