They were just coming back from a simple game of bingo—something light-hearted, routine, and joyful. It was a small outing, meant to bring smiles and a sense of normalcy. But for Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett, that ordinary evening turned into a devastating tragedy that Auburn, Maine, will not soon forget.
On the night of the crash, their van—operated by John F. Murphy Homes, a nonprofit that provides care for individuals with developmental disabilities—was struck violently by a speeding pickup truck as it passed through the intersection at Washington Street. The impact was catastrophic. The van was torn apart, the force of the collision scattering debris and lives across the asphalt.
Catherine Chafin died that night. Emily Bennett passed away the following morning, despite efforts to save her. Both were cherished residents under the care of John F. Murphy Homes, known for their warmth, kindness, and the quiet dignity they brought into the lives of those around them.
Two young staff members inside the van miraculously survived, physically. But the emotional scars—born of helplessness, trauma, and profound loss—will take far longer to heal. The pickup truck driver, by contrast, walked away from the wreckage unharmed. It’s a bitter image: lives shattered, while the one who caused the devastation left the scene intact.
This isn’t the first time tragedy has struck this exact spot. Washington Street is no stranger to danger. Just last year, there were 14 crashes at that very location—each one a flashing warning light. Yet it remained unchanged. Now, with two more lives lost, the city can no longer afford to look away.
The pain runs deep—far beyond the families and caregivers of Catherine and Emily. This is a moment of mourning for all of Auburn. These weren’t just names on a report; they were beloved daughters, friends, and community members. Their lives mattered. Their deaths must not be in vain.
The city must act, not just mourn. Infrastructure must be examined. Traffic laws must be enforced. Dangerous intersections—like Washington Street—must be made safe, once and for all. The cost of inaction is written in heartbreak and funerals.
To the families of Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Auburn grieves with you. May their memories be a blessing, and may this tragedy spark change so that no other families need suffer such unimaginable loss.