Newington Mourns Passing Of 12-Year-Old Girl: Report

NEWINGTON, CT — The Newington community is mourning the sudden passing of a 12-year-old middle school student.

According to WTNH Channel 8, Regan Martins, a student at Martin Kellogg Middle School, died on Friday, Aug. 9. The television station reports that many in town are displaying pink lights in her honor, with images of the local fire station showing the lights.

WTNH also reported that the Newington school system released a statement announcing the girl's passing. School officials said, “Regan was a bright light in our community."

According to her obituary posted by the Duksa Family Funeral Home, it states that Regan "made this world a better place."

"Regan was known for her kindness, love for her family, and left an everlasting impact on every person that she met," according to her obituary.

She is survived by her parents, three sisters, a brother and her beloved dog, Roxy. She enjoyed singing and performing in school plays, and she was also a girl scout, according to her obituary.

On Facebook, there are numerous tributes to Regan, including the Newington Volunteer Fire Department.

In local forums, residents are sharing pictures of homes lit up pink in honor of Regan and are encouraging others to do the same.

Ring & Stave Barrel Crafts posted on Facebook that they "would like to offers it’s sincere condolences to the Martins family of Newington. Shelly and I were fortunate enough to know this sweet young lady (through) our volunteer work with the Middle School Drama Club. We would like to invite you all to help us (TURN) FACEBOOK PINK by changing your profile picture thru the weekend. Regan’s favorite color was pink. #pinkforregan."

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report, click on this link.

For Regan Martins' obituary, click on this link.