Support Pours In For Family Of North Haven Man Killed In Crash

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The community is rallying around the family of a North Haven man who was killed in a crash early New Year’s Day in Hamden.

James McKenna, 55, died at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a crash around 1:30 a.m. on Whitney Avenue in Hamden. McKenna’s vehicle was hit head-on by another driver that crossed the double yellow center markings, according to Hamden police.

A GoFundMe account has been launched in support of McKenna’s family and the long-term educational needs of his daughter Angelina.

“Our world unexpectedly and tragically lost a very good man on New Year's Day,” reads a post on the GoFundMe page, which was created by Dennis Kelly. “Fully committed father, loyal friend, upstanding patriot, fine gentleman. Jim McKenna.

“This is one of those times when there are simply no words, no explanations. Only love, unending remembrance, prayer, and support.”

McKenna was a U.S. Army veteran who reached the rank of First Sergeant, according to his obituary. He served in Germany as well as in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was an active reservist at the time of his death.

McKenna spent his career in law enforcement with Metro-North police and retired as a deputy inspector.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $11,000 as of Friday afternoon.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

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