Damien Lee Becroft
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth: 5 Oct 1982 - Meridian, CT
Christening:
Death: 25 Mar 2006 - Brookline, , MA
Burial: 2 Apr 2006
Cause of Death: possibly hit by car
AFN :
Events
• Death
Friends mourn loss of Damien Becroft, few clues available.• Obituary
Friends mourn loss of Damien Becroft, few clues available...
When times are tough, and there does not seem to be any light at the end of the so called tunnel, it really brings a tear to my eye to see an entire community pull together and show what being a "family" is all about. It saddens me to have to write this, however here goes...
On March 22nd in prestigious Brookline Mass, (near Boston) Police respond to a call about a "man lying in the street." The man was Damien Becroft, a Meriden CT native, going to school in Boston. Damien was 23 years old and coming home from a near-by nightclub. At 11:15 Damien told friends that he was ready to leave, and being Boston, leaving alone and walking to the train or bus was a very common practice. Be that as it may, at 11:45 pm, just 30 minutes after leaving the club, this boy's life took a horrific turn. Damien took a severe blow to his head, and was in a coma until Sunday March 26th where he died of his injuries. How can something so tragic happen to someone and no one can explain it? Police seem to think the cause of the severe head trauma was an unfortunate hit and run. " Anything could have happened", "we are not ruling out anything", "he was wearing dark clothing, so he may have bumped into a large truck or something" those are just a few of the ridiculous responses told to reporters. He was a mile from his apartment. At time of this editorial police were still waiting the final autopsy results. Friends and family of Damien think there was more to this story than a "hit and run". 11:45pm and no one sees anything? A truck striking a human body, and does not even know it? Of all the newspaper stories and printed information on this horrible event, nothing really added up or made sense. What really happened? Does anyone know? Will we ever know? Police are still asking anyone who has any information on this to contact the Brookline police at (617)-730-2222. Friends of Damien had already vowed to search for the answers, better yet, search for the truth. Co-workers pledged a percentage of their tips to go towards a fund being started in Damien's name. One friend already dedicated to run the Boston Marathon in his name. Damien's roommate and close friend, who wished not to be mentioned by name, has stated, " We may have lost his body, but we haven't lost his spirit". A foundation is being started "Youngersister.org" in Damien's name and anyone wishing to contribute is urged to.
The Chez Est in Hartford Ct, is doing their part, with the help of many talented community members, on Saturday May 27th, The Chez is doing what they have always done best, being there for the community. Over 12 performers will fill the stage to raise as much money for Damien's foundation. The Chez asked performers from all facets to donate their time and talent for a cause that really has no "happy ending". "Everyone said yes!!!!, I asked over 12 performers to help out in this show, and only the 2 that would not be in the state said they would". All the proceeds of this show are going to Damien in some capacity. This is a prime example of the type of "family" that we are at the Chez. In a time so sad, I was happy to hear that my friends were all there to support me. I had the pleasure of knowing Damien; he was always smiling, and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He will live on in many hearts.
Damien L. Becroft• Soc Sec Num, 043-74-5684
BRIGHTON, Mass. - Damien Lee Becroft, 23, entered the Lord's arms on March 26, 2006.
Born in Meriden on Oct. 5, 1982, he sadly leaves behind his loving parents, Laura Becroft of Meriden and David Folkman of Meriden. He had resided in Meriden most of his life, spending a short time in Brighton studying business law and political science at Bay State College. He had graduated from Wilcox Technical High School, class of 2000, where he was an active member of Vica. Mr. Becroft was employed by Bertucci's in Brighton. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Meriden, Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow, DeMolay and the Masons.
He is survived by two sisters, Casey Folkman and Courtney Folkman; two brothers, Jordan Pace and Mark Folkman, all of Meriden; grandparents, Robert and Beverly Hamlin, Edward and Denise Folkman and Donald and Joann Young; two uncles, Edward Folkman and John Folkman; godparents, Edward Folkman and Cari Cahill; also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandmother, Mary Virginia Becroft; two uncles, John Becroft and Joseph Becroft; and great-grandparents, John and Edith Gibbs.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 159 East Main St., Meriden, followed by a celebration of life at the Masonic Temple, 112 East Main St., Meriden. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Damien's memory may be made to Wachovia Bank, 55 Centennial Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden.
• Event, Owanaco Lodge, BSA, 2000-2001
In the 2000-2001 Lodge year, Damien Becroft was selected to serve as Lodge Chief at the June Ordeal. In the summer of 2000, the Lodge went to its first National Order of the Arrow Conference at the University of Tennessee. The Lodge sent a spirited contingent of 16 youth, 6 adults, and 3 youth staff members to the Conference. The Ceremonies Team comprised of Mike McCann, Bob Kravecs, Michael Card, and Rob Emerson was awarded National "Honor" status for their performance in the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony. Bill Chin was also awarded "Honor" status for his performance in the Vigil Honor Ceremony. Later in the year, the Lodge donated $7500 for the construction of new latrines at Camp Sequassen. The Executive Committee also decided to switch the Fall Fellowship and May Ordeal weekends. This switch was made in order to give Ordeal candidates more time to prepare for their Ordeal weekend after their Call Out ceremony during the Spring Camporees. The Lodge's first Spring Fellowship weekend was held in May of 2001.• Death, 25 Mar 2006
Class Of 2000
Damien BecroftAnsiptikan Waselenikan Binding Light
It is my sad duty to announce to you the passing of Damien Becroft,• Event, 29 Mar 2006
Past State Master Councilor 2003-2004, Past Master Councilor Edward
W. Slade Chapter, Representative DeMolay, Chevalier and member of
Center Lodge #97 in Meriden.
Damien died this morning after receiving severe head injuries in
Boston earlier this week. Presently this case is under investigation
by the Boston Police Department.
There are tentative plans for a memorial service this coming
weekend; however, it has not been determined which day. As soon as I
know I will send out a separate notice.
Thank you all for your support and kind words during this difficult
time. I will share all of them with the family at an appropriate
time. Please take the time to keep Damien and his family in your
thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Harry E. Needham III
Executive Officer
Connecticut DeMolay
• Event, New England Blade, 29 Mar 2006
Police look for clues in man's death
By Monica Deady
GHS
Posted Mar 29, 2006 @ 07:00 PM
Last update Mar 15, 2008 @ 03:23 AM
Brookline \emdash
Brookline Police are looking for anyone with information to help them understand how a Brighton man died as a result of an apparent hit-and-run accident on Washington Street last week.
Police responded to the area of 523 Washington St. around 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, after drivers passing by reported a man lying in the street.
Damien Becroft, 23, of Brighton, was not responsive when police arrived. He died late Saturday afternoon as a result of injuries he sustained, according to Brookline Police.
Preliminary results from the autopsy indicate that Becroft was hit by a moving vehicle and thrown to the blacktop, and the preliminary cause of death is head trauma, according to a press release from the Brookline Police Department.
Brookline Police Capt. John O'Leary said that they are not ruling out anything yet. He said there was no indication of a struggle, "but still anything could have happened."
Becroft was wearing dark clothing when police found him, "so if it was a large truck or a bus that he bumped into, they might not have even seen him."
Becroft was halfway between Brookline Village and Washington Square, lying perpendicular to the sidewalk when police found him. He was about a mile from his apartment.
O'Leary said Becroft always took the MBTA train home, but lived close to the Cleveland Circle line, so it isn't clear why he was walking on Washington Street. He was the manager of a Copley Square Bertucci's.
"We're wondering why was he on Washington Street," O'Leary said.
O'Leary said earlier in the night Becroft was out with friends at a bar near North Station, but left, saying he was going home on the train.
Police interviewed neighbors in the area, and no one reported hearing or seeing anything suspicious.
Police are looking for a woman who stopped by the Washington Square fire station to report that a man was lying in the street, but did not provide her name or contact information. Police said they would like to speak to her, especially if she can shed any light on what happened.
In addition, police are waiting for final autopsy results.
Police are asking that anyone who observed anything in the vicinity of 523 Washington St. about 11:45 p.m. on March 22 or has any information should contact Brookline Police at 617-730-2222 or Brookline Detectives at 617-730-2244.
Monica Deady can be reached at mdeady@cnc.com.
Copyright 2008 Brookline TAB. Some rights reserved
William Henderson March 29, 2006• Event, 5 Apr 2006
Friends mourn loss of Damien Becroft
Out 23-year-old dies on Saturday, March 25, from unexplained injuries suffered three days before; police still investigating
Brookline Police are investigating the death of 23-year-old Damien Becroft, a gay male found lying along Washington Street last Wednesday night and taken to Beth Israel where he died three days later. Based on an autopsy conducted on Tuesday, March 29, police believe Becroft's injuries are consistent with being struck by a moving vehicle and thrown forcefully to the street. But with no eyewitnesses to the incident coming forward, police are still investigating.
Hours earlier, according to one of Becroft's roommates, Patrick Catoe, Becroft had been with friends in the North End of Boston before deciding to return home alone on the T. He left his friends at around 11:15 p.m. What happened between then and the discovery of his body by two nurses walking home from work at around 11:45 p.m., remains unclear.
Becroft was extraordinary, said Catoe. Becroft worked the night shift at Bertucci's and wanted to be the manager. He'd have gotten it too, said neighbor Revelle Barnett, who spent a portion of this past Thanksgiving with Becroft's family.
Becroft was new to the Boston area. He had lived here less than a year after moving from Meridian, Conn. He was planning his first trip to Provincetown this summer, a weekend in Montreal, road trips with his Boston family - just waiting for the weather to change.
"It's just so shocking, you know," said Barnett, who had been with Becroft the night before the incident with mutual friends in Harvard Square, hanging out with a visiting friend from Georgia.
Becroft's was the smile that held his friends together, the glue, if you will, said Catoe. Someone who'd give you the shirt off his back, or argue politics just because; someone who confessed often and willingly that his favorite song currently was "Shiny Disco Balls." In private, said Catoe, he was Ab Fab's Edina to Becroft's Patsy.
And Catoe was not alone in his affections. As news of Becroft's condition spread from friend to friend, a phalanx arrived and waited round the clock in the Intensive Care Unit of Beth Israel, said Catoe. Nurses brought extra blankets, let them stay past normal visiting hours, watched as the gathered friends talked about Becroft and waited for him to wake up.
"Those three days brought us all together like family," said Catoe, who is serving as the primary Boston contact for friends and well wishers attempting to pay their respects. Adding later: "It's like we're all on auto-pilot just waiting for Sunday," he said of the planned funeral and memorial service.
And still later: "It's awkward living. Everything's going on around you and there's this place in your heart where you're stuck somewhere back in Wednesday. We're stuck with him. We may have lost his body, but we haven't lost his spirit."
Catoe and Barnett, along with Becroft's family who were not available by press time, hope police discover just what happened to Becroft, that the police refuse to stop looking until they found who did this.
"We're going to make sure that he goes out with a bang," said Catoe. Already, the staff at Francesca's, where Catoe works, has pledged 10 percent of their collective tips to a fund being started in Becroft's name, and a friend has already dedicated his run in this year's Boston Marathon to Becroft. "We're going to give him the attention that he deserves, the attention that he would have earned."
Becroft is survived by a younger brother, Jordan, his mother, Laura, and his father, "Poppa." A service will be held Sunday, April 2, in Meridian, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Damien Becroft's name are being accepted at Francesca's, 564 Tremont Street, Boston.
Anyone who observed anything in the vicinity of 523 Washington Street around 11:45 p.m. on March 22 is asked to contact the Brookline Police Department at 617-730-2222 or Brookline detectives at 617-730-2244.
• Event, 2007
City Update: Death of Brighton man still unsolved
By Brookline TAB
GHS
Posted Apr 05, 2006 @ 08:00 PM
Last update Mar 15, 2008 @ 03:23 AM
Brookline \emdash
More than two weeks after a Brighton man was found lying on Washington Street with head injuries, police are still baffled by his death, but are focusing on a traffic accident as the cause.
Damien Becroft, 23, of Brighton, was found lying near 523 Washington St. around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, with severe head injuries after drivers passing by reported a man lying in the street, about a mile from his Brighton apartment. He died March 25.
Police are conducting a traffic investigation and while they are not ruling out assault, "the focus of the investigation is towards a traffic accident," said Brookline Police Captain John O'Leary. "It's more likely that it [Becroft's injuries] would have occurred with him walking into a car of a bus ... and that force pushing him away."
Preliminary results from the autopsy indicate that Becroft was hit by a moving vehicle and thrown to the blacktop, and the preliminary cause of death is head trauma, according to a press release from the Brookline Police Department.
Police said there was no result of a struggle at the scene, and last week, appealed to anyone with additional information to come forward, but O'Leary said no one has come to police with any additional information.
Police are asking that anyone who observed anything in the vicinity of 523 Washington St. around 11:45 p.m. on March 22, or has any information, to contact Brookline Police at 617-730-2222 or Brookline Detectives at 617-730-2244.
- Monica Deady
Sidewalk memorial
Posted on April 4, 2007 by leslie friday
Filed Under General | Leave a Comment
I came across a sidewalk memorial the other day while running in Brookline.
Warm words were scrawled in pink chalk in remembrance of "D.B." A friend or family member had written, "I love you - Kate." Candles huddled together next to a drying bouquet of spring flowers.
It was a pocket of sidewalk mourning near 523 Washington St. And it made me wonder who the person could have been.
A little sleuthing turned up the name Damien Becroft. A 23-year-old Brighton resident, Becroft was found lying along Washington Street on March 22, 2006, the alleged victim of a hit-and-run accident. He died of his injuries three days later.
The last Tab records show that the case was still unsolved by the Brookline police.
An update will follow this posting with an official response from the Brookline police spokesperson.
1. Leslie Friday on April 9th, 2007 2:58 pm
According to Captain John O'Leary, Damien Becroft's case is open but inactive.
"We've exhausted every avenue that we could at this point," O'Leary said.
The captain added that police were unable to determine the cause of Becroft's death, however they no longer believe it was a hit-and-run.
If anyone has further information about this case, they can call the Brookline Police Department at: 617-730-2222.
Parents
Father:
Mother: Laura Becroft