Former UConn Lacrosse Goalie Killed in Willington Crash

A former University of Connecticut women’s lacrosse goalie was killed in a rollover crash in Willington on Friday, according to police.

Police said 24-year-old Brittney Testa, of Bridgewater, Vermont, was driving northbound on River Road near Baxter Road when she lost control of her Jeep Cherokee.

The Jeep rolled over onto the northbound shoulder, and Testa was pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Police documents show Testa was not wearing a seatbelt.

According to the UConn lacrosse team roster, Testa started every game in the 2011 and 2012 season and played as a senior in 2013.

UConn athletics spokesman Mike Enright said Testa was back on campus this fall to finish her degree.

“The entire University of Connecticut community and its Division of Athletics was deeply saddened by the loss of Brittney,” UConn Director of Athletics Warde Manuel said in a statement. “She was a great example of what the ideal student-athlete is – successful on the field of play, in the classroom and a positive member of the community. Brittney was a key factor in the development of our women’s lacrosse program as it made its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance last spring. We send our deepest sympathy to Brittney’s family and friends. We are also deeply touched by the messages of condolences that we have received from around the country, particularly from the lacrosse community.”

Testa was the daughter of Karen Knox Testa and Glenn C. Testa of Bridgewater, Vermont and granddaughter of Doris Testa and Roberta Gately of Westwood, Massachusetts and the late Robert F. Gately.

She also played for Revolution Lacrosse in Boston. 

Visiting hours will be held in the Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home at 55 High Rock Street in Westwood, Mass., on Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held in Woodstock, Vt., on May 24.

Teammates said they're still in shock and have not yet planned a vigil or ceremony.

Enright said the school will hold a memorial service after students return from winter break. Counseling will also be available to affected students and staff.

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