Loretta B. Perez Obituary, Death: Two prominent Massena residents killed in St. Lawrence County crash.
Loretta B. Perez Obituary, Death – The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash in the town of Potsdam that claimed the lives of two well-known residents from Massena. The incident occurred Tuesday evening around 8 p.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services.
Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of State Highway 310 and County Route 34 in Potsdam, where they found that the crash involved two vehicles. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Connor Graveline of Ogdensburg, was traveling east on County Route 34. Authorities say Graveline failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of State Highway 310 and collided with a 2022 GMC Acadia driven by Real Coupal, a well-known figure from Massena.
Coupal, who was driving the vehicle, and his passenger, Loretta B. Perez, both tragically died at the scene. Coupal, affectionately known as “Frenchie,” was a prominent local businessman who operated Frenchie’s Ford and Frenchie’s Chevrolet in Massena. Perez was a respected educator, having retired from the Massena School District after a long and distinguished career. Her dedication to education and passion for helping others left a lasting impact on her community.
Massena Mayor Greg Paquin, who knew both victims personally, expressed the profound loss the town has experienced. He described Coupal and Perez as “pillars of the community” who were deeply involved in various local organizations, often volunteering their time to support and improve Massena. The mayor acknowledged that the town had lost two of its most giving and caring individuals.
The victims were reportedly on their way back to Massena after attending a meeting together when the crash occurred. Their tragic deaths have left a deep void in the community, as both were widely admired for their contributions to Massena.
At the scene of the crash, deputies were assisted by several local and state agencies, including the New York State Police, the West Potsdam Fire Department, the Canton Fire Department, the Madrid Fire Department, Potsdam Rescue, Madrid Rescue, and the New York State Department of Transportation. Their coordinated efforts were essential in managing the aftermath of the crash and providing assistance to those involved.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office continuing to gather details and examine the circumstances surrounding the collision. At this stage, it is unclear whether weather conditions or other factors contributed to the accident, but authorities are working diligently to understand what led to this tragic loss of life.
The death of Real Coupal and Loretta Perez has not only devastated their families but also left the community in mourning. Their involvement in local causes and their reputation as caring, compassionate individuals have made this loss even more difficult to bear. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering all the facts surrounding the crash and determining any potential contributing factors.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of road safety. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly at intersections where stop signs are present, to prevent further accidents. In the wake of this incident, the community of Massena is coming together to support the families of the victims and honor their memory. As more information becomes available, the Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed and ensuring that justice is served.
The passing of Coupal and Perez has left an indelible mark on the town of Massena, and their legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives they touched during their years of service and dedication to their community.
