Married Boston doctors among victims of Connecticut jet crash

BOSTON — Four people who died in a small jet crash in Connecticut have been identified as a Boston couple who are both doctors and two local pilots.

RELATED: 4 killed when small jet crashes into building in Connecticut

Police said Friday that 33-year-old Courtney Haviland, and her husband, 32-year-old William Shrauner, were passengers on the jet that crashed into a manufacturing company building in Farmington on Thursday morning shortly after takeoff from Robertson Airport in Plainville.

Family friend and spokesman Matthew Mitchell, a pastor at United Methodist Church of the Servant, where Shrauner’s father works, said the couple leaves behind a young son. Haviland was also pregnant with a baby girl, he said.

“The family is completely in shock,” Mitchell said. “The devastation of this moment, the reality of this moment, it sinks in, and it becomes surreal.”

Boston Medical Center also issued a statement to Boston 25 News.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our cardiology fellows, Dr. Will Shrauner, and his wife, Dr. Courtney Haviland,” the statement said. “Will, a second year fellow at Boston Medical Center, was well known as an outstanding educator, physician, colleague and friend to many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Will and Courtney’s family and loved ones.”

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which is where Shrauner trained, said he was an exceptional colleague.

“Dr. Will Shrauner, who trained at the Brigham from 2016-2020, was an exceptional and committed colleague. Both Will and his wife, Dr. Courtney Haviland, were bright lights, devoted physicians and dear friends. We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues during this incredibly heartbreaking time.”

Dr. Ron Kleinman, Physician-in-Chief at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, said their hearts are broken over the loss of Haviland.

“Our hearts are broken following the passing of our friend and colleague Dr. Courtney Haviland and her husband, Dr. Will Shrauner,” he said in a statement to Boston 25 News. “Courtney first came to MassGeneral Hospital for Children in 2016 as a resident and most recently completed a fellowship in Medical Simulation this past June before moving on to Brown University where she worked as a fellow in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She was universally loved by her colleagues and patients and lived a life full of meaning. Her bright smile and the twinkle in her eye left an indelible mark on all who met her, as did her boundless kindness and compassion. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones as we grieve with them during this difficult and tragic time.”

The pilots were identified as 55-year-old William O’Leary, of Bristol, and 57-year-old Mark Morrow, 57, of Danbury.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board were at the scene of the fiery crash Friday.

The cause remains under investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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