UConn Employees Killed in Crash Route 6 at Windham-Chaplin Line

A Willimantic couple who worked at UConn for more than a decade were killed in a crash on Route 6 on the Windham-Chaplin line on Thursday morning.

The husband and wife, Norman Holland, 48, and Holly Holland, 44, were killed when their 1999 Ford Escort and a 1995 Ford Ranger collided at 6:46 a.m., according to state police.

Norman Holland was driving the Escort and tried to cross Route 6 when the crash happened in the area of 688 Boston Post Road, near Station Road.

The Hollands were pronounced dead at the scene, according to state police.

The other driver has been identified as Michael Snow, 53, of Ellington.

The Hollands worked at UConn for more than a decade, according to an email UConn President Susan Herbst sent to employees and students notifying them of the the news on Thursday afternoon.

"They were regarded by their colleagues in Facilities Operations and Building Services as wonderful people and outstanding employees who always went above and beyond for our students, and our university," Herbst said in her letter. "It is always painful when we lose a member of the UConn family. To lose Norman and Holly together is beyond heartbreaking for their colleagues, and the university as a whole. All our hearts go out to their family, especially their three children."

UConn counselors and mental health services staff plan to be available as support for facility operations employees. Herbst said that the university plans to honor the Hollands on campus "when the time is right" and that information about a funeral or memorial service will be shared with students and faculty when it becomes available.