The city of Auburn, Maine, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of two cherished residents, Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett, following a devastating car crash that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Authorities have confirmed that the women, both clients of the John F. Murphy Homes—an esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as autism spectrum disorder—lost their lives in a tragic collision that has shaken the entire community.

The Auburn Police Department has officially reported the fatal incident, which took place near the intersection of Washington Street and Beech Hill Road around 6:55 p.m. The collision involved a 2016 Honda Odyssey van, operated by John F. Murphy Homes, and a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. As investigators have pieced together, the van was crossing Washington Street from Beech Hill Road when it entered the path of the southbound Silverado, resulting in a violent and severe crash involving five individuals across the two vehicles.

Among the van passengers were Catherine Chafin, age 57, and Emily Bennett, age 44, both of whom were deeply loved members of the John F. Murphy Homes community. Chafin was immediately transported to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston following the crash, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Bennett, critically injured, was also taken to CMMC and sadly passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning. The profound loss of these two women has sent ripples through the nonprofit, their families, friends, and the wider Auburn community.

The Victims: Lives Marked by Compassion and Resilience

Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett were more than just residents of a group home; they were individuals whose warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirits touched everyone they encountered. Both women lived at John F. Murphy Homes, an organization with a long-standing reputation for fostering supportive, empowering environments for people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

Todd Goodwin, CEO of John F. Murphy Homes, spoke with profound sadness about the women, highlighting their personalities and roles within the community. “They were delightful women,” Goodwin remarked, emphasizing how both had made lasting impressions not only within the organization but throughout the greater Auburn area. He noted that one of the women even contributed as a part-time employee at the organization’s central office, exemplifying their dedication and involvement beyond their roles as clients.

Friends and staff alike remember Chafin and Bennett for their gentle spirits and bright personalities. Their presence was a source of joy and comfort in the group home, where they were often seen encouraging others and participating eagerly in community activities. To lose such cherished members has left a painful void, especially given the sudden and tragic nature of the accident.

The Crash: A Violent Collision That Shook a Community

The crash itself was severe. According to the Auburn Police Department, the van operated by John F. Murphy Homes attempted to cross the busy Washington Street from Beech Hill Road but was struck by the Silverado traveling southbound. The impact was forceful, causing extensive damage to both vehicles and injuries to all involved.

Two John F. Murphy Homes employees, young women aged 21 and 19, were also in the van at the time, tasked with transporting the residents back from a local bingo event—a routine social outing that took an unimaginable turn. Both employees were injured but survived with non-life-threatening wounds and were treated at CMMC. Understandably, they were shaken and heartbroken by the loss of the clients they had been responsible for protecting.

On the other side of the collision was Jason Plummer, a 50-year-old driver from Salisbury, Massachusetts, behind the wheel of the Silverado. Plummer reportedly escaped the crash without serious injuries and did not require hospitalization, but like everyone involved, he must grapple with the emotional aftermath of a tragedy that forever changed lives.

John F. Murphy Homes: A Pillar of Support and the Impact of the Loss

John F. Murphy Homes has long been a vital part of the Auburn community, providing supportive housing and care for individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization focuses not only on meeting basic needs but on fostering inclusion, personal growth, and independence. The tragic loss of two residents and the injuries to staff members have deeply affected the organization.

CEO Todd Goodwin expressed the emotional toll the accident has inflicted, describing the incident as devastating. He spoke candidly about the shock and grief experienced by staff and residents alike. “Everyone’s in shock,” Goodwin said, underlining how the organization is currently navigating a complex process of grieving and healing.

Beyond the immediate heartbreak, John F. Murphy Homes is conducting an internal review of the circumstances surrounding the crash, seeking to understand all contributing factors and to reinforce the safety of residents and employees moving forward. The tragedy underscores the critical importance of transportation safety within such organizations and the broader responsibilities involved in caring for vulnerable populations.

Safety Concerns at Washington Street and Beech Hill Road Intersection

The fatal crash has thrown renewed attention on the intersection where it occurred. Washington Street and Beech Hill Road have long been recognized by residents and officials as a site prone to accidents. Data from the Maine Department of Transportation reveals that 14 crashes were reported at this intersection in 2024 alone, resulting in 10 injuries—numbers that already pointed to an urgent need for safety improvements.

The addition of two fatalities in this latest incident has galvanized calls from community members for immediate action. Longtime area resident James Arel, who has lived near the intersection for over 20 years, voiced his frustration with the current traffic control measures. According to Arel, the flashing red light at Beech Hill Road is inadequate for the volume and speed of traffic that navigates the intersection.

“There was no need for this to happen,” Arel said solemnly. “If there would be a stoplight, I don’t think this would have ever happened.” His comments reflect a broader community sentiment that the lack of a full traffic signal contributes to confusion and risk, especially for drivers attempting to cross or merge onto Washington Street.

Broader Implications: Traffic Safety, Vulnerable Populations, and Prevention

This tragic event raises complex questions about traffic safety, particularly regarding intersections with known histories of accidents and injuries. While the physical damage and loss of life are immediate and visible consequences, the crash also highlights systemic challenges in infrastructure planning, public safety funding, and community advocacy.

Intersections like Washington and Beech Hill Road are often points where multiple risks converge—high traffic volume, insufficient signage, pedestrian crossings, and complex driver behavior patterns. Ensuring these locations are safe requires not just engineering solutions but also sustained attention from policymakers, transportation agencies, and local governments.

In addition, the tragedy underscores the particular vulnerability of populations like those served by John F. Murphy Homes. Transporting individuals with developmental disabilities necessitates rigorous safety protocols and specialized training to mitigate risks inherent in both the medical and vehicular contexts.

Organizations supporting vulnerable residents must continually evaluate and improve their procedures, collaborating with local authorities to ensure that all aspects of transportation, from vehicle maintenance to driver training to route selection, prioritize safety above all else.

The Investigation: Piecing Together the Facts

The Auburn Police Department is spearheading the investigation, supported by the Lewiston Police Department. Detectives have been working through the night following the incident, meticulously collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the crash.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether speed, driver error, visibility, or mechanical failure played a role, nor have they announced if any charges will be filed. The investigation remains open and ongoing, with police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The complexity of the crash, involving multiple vehicles and individuals, requires a thorough forensic analysis. Experts in accident reconstruction will likely analyze skid marks, impact points, vehicle data, and environmental conditions such as lighting and weather. All of these elements contribute to understanding causality and preventing similar future tragedies.

Community and Organizational Healing: Support and Memorials

The shock and grief experienced by the John F. Murphy Homes community, Auburn residents, and beyond cannot be overstated. In the coming days, plans will be made for memorial services honoring Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett. These gatherings will provide space for friends, family, staff, and community members to mourn, celebrate the lives of the victims, and seek solace in shared remembrance.

John F. Murphy Homes has pledged ongoing support for its residents and staff, recognizing the deep emotional impact the crash has inflicted. Grief counseling, mental health services, and peer support initiatives are being mobilized to help individuals process the loss and trauma.

The broader Auburn community is also rallying in support. Local organizations, churches, and advocacy groups are preparing to offer assistance to affected families and to advocate for safety improvements at the crash site.

Calls for Change: A Community at a Crossroads

The deaths of Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett are not isolated tragedies but part of a larger dialogue about public safety, disability rights, and community responsibility. Their passing has ignited discussions about how best to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent future accidents on Maine’s roadways.

There is growing momentum behind calls for installing a full traffic signal at the Washington Street and Beech Hill Road intersection. Such infrastructure upgrades require coordinated efforts among city planners, state transportation authorities, elected officials, and community advocates.

In addition, this incident highlights the need for enhanced collaboration between social service organizations and law enforcement. Ensuring that vulnerable populations are transported safely involves a comprehensive approach—integrating vehicle safety, staff training, emergency preparedness, and risk management.

Reflection: Remembering Lives and Renewing Commitment

In remembering Catherine Chafin and Emily Bennett, the community honors two individuals who were more than just statistics in a tragic report. They were vibrant souls who found joy, belonging, and purpose within a community designed to support them. Their deaths remind us of the fragile nature of life and the profound responsibility shared by all to protect and uplift one another.

Their story calls us to reflect deeply on issues of safety, care, and justice. As Auburn moves forward, the hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will drive meaningful change, ensuring that no other family endures a similar loss.

The legacy of Chafin and Bennett endures in the hearts of those who loved them and in the commitment of a community determined to heal and improve.