Broadcaster’s wife dies in traffic crash

WOODBURY, Conn. (AP) — The wife of longtime ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman died in a traffic crash in Connecticut, the sports network’s president confirmed Wednesday.

Katherine Ann Berman, 67, of Cheshire, was one of two victims in the two-vehicle crash at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday in Woodbury, state police said. The other victim was identified by police as Edward Bertulis, 87, of Waterbury.

“This is a devastating tragedy and difficult to comprehend,” ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement. “Chris is beloved by all his ESPN colleagues and for good reason: He has a huge heart and has given so much to so many over the years. We know how much his family means to him and all we can do at a moment like this is give him the love and support he will surely need at this hour.”

Both vehicles were travelling in the same direction on a two-lane road when Kathy Berman’s car struck the rear of Bertulis’ SUV, and both veered off the road, according to the police account of the crash.

Berman’s Lexus SC430 went down an embankment and overturned in a small body of water. Chris Berman was listed as the car’s owner.

Bertulis’ Ford Escape X struck a utility pole and landed on its roof in the street.

Berman, who was wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Bertulis, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Woodbury is not far from the Bermans’ home in Cheshire, and ESPN headquarters in Bristol.

According to a 1993 profile of the family that appeared in the Hartford Courant, Chris Berman met the former Kathy Alexinski in 1983 by faking car trouble so he could ask her for help. The couple has two grown children.

Chris Berman, a Brown University graduate, started working at ESPN in October 1979, a month after its founding.

News

Pending legislation could help school boards lower tax rates

Columns

HARRY MARTINEZ: Conflict within

Columns

EDDIE SEAGLE: Spring and March pointers in the landscape

News

Voters will be asked next year whether to expand conservation tax breaks for farmers

News

Former murder suspect
arrested in recent drug bust

News

Albany executive tapped as state labor commissioner

News

Moultrie Leadership Legends mentoring organization
tours PCOM South Georgia

News

South Georgians protest Austin Scott’s silence, backing of Trump policies

News

Echols: Solar farm issue solving itself

News

Rally to raise money for accident victims

News

Hospital Authority requests rezoning for new apartment complex construction

News

Georgia Department of Public Safety partnering with ICE

News

Local Olympian gold-medalists to be honored with parade

News

Growing frustration with smartphones could lead to statewide ban in Georgia schools

Breaking News

Severe weather forecast for
late Saturday, early Sunday

News

Summer Camp Connections
will preview summer activities

News

GBI seeks expansion of subpoena powers

News

Hughes and Spence win gold at Special Olympics Winter Games

News

Johnson presents program
at Retired Educators meeting

News

School launches fourth leadership development program cohort

News

Legislature considers alternative path for corpses

News

Moultrie and Doerun residents express concerns over
utility bills at meeting

News

Chamber of Commerce holds 115th annual banquet

News

Marshall elected gifted organization president