Layla K. Malon, 7; “Layla possessed a sweetness that truly captivated people.”
Obituary, Lesko & Polke Funeral HomeLayla Kim Ngân Malon, age 7, of Westport, passed away on June 17, 2021.
Born in Danbury, she was the beloved daughter of Eric Malon of Westport and the late Tracy Do. Layla was a student at Coleytown Elementary school.
Layla possessed a sweetness that truly captivated people. She brought smiles, laughter, and happiness to all around her. She loved and admired her big sissy Alexis, and was her Daddy’s little girl. Layla found great delight in her collection of stuff animals, "Stuffies".
In addition to her father, she will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Alexis, as well as, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and endearing family members.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. Her committal service will take place on Friday at 1030 AM in Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.
The Malon family requests contributions in Layla's memory to: Mental Health Connecticut (www.MHCONN.org) 61 South Main Street (suite 100) West Hartford, CT 06107. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com
Riverview Road’s Backyard
Homes along Riverview Road bask in the afternoon sun on the East bank of the Saugatuck.
One Arrested for Friday Night DUI After Striking Vehicle, then a Stone Wall on Cross Highway
Westport Police Department ReleaseOn June 18, 2021, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Westport Police officers responded to the area of 153 Compo Road North on a report that a vehicle struck a stone wall. No injuries were reported. The operator of the car was identified as Dakota Saddler. In speaking with witnesses, they stated that Mr. Saddler allegedly struck a vehicle while making a right-hand turn onto Cross Highway from North Avenue and evaded the scene. He purportedly continued traveling westbound on Cross Highway and his car became disabled after striking the stone wall.
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When the investigating officer approached Mr. Saddler, he reportedly could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Mr. Saddler’s breath. Additionally, Mr. Saddler purportedly had glassy/watery eyes, slurred speech, and was swaying back and forth while trying to stand. Based on these indicators of possible intoxication, he was given a standardized field sobriety test which indicated signs of impairment.
Mr. Saddler was placed under arrest and charged with Operating Under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol, Evading Responsibility, and Failure to Drive in the Proper Lane. He was released after posting a $1,000.00 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court the morning of Friday, July 2, 2021.
Superintendent: “ We want you to know that we care and wish to support your children during this difficult time.”
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
We would like to provide you with additional resources that may be helpful as you support your child through this difficult time. Below are some talking points to consider while addressing this tragic loss with your child.
Talking Points for Parents:
If you have not already informed your child, you can tell him/her that you have some sad news to share and that a student and her mother have died. Reassure them that they are safe and loved.
For very young children who are not directly impacted by this loss, consider whether they need to know this information.
Keep your language simple and straightforward. Be open and honest and avoid unnecessary details that may be disturbing to children. If questions persist, refocus them on the feelings rather than the details of how and why.
If they ask questions that you are unable to answer, you can say “I don’t know but adults are working together to figure it out”.
Remember that you may have to answer the same question several times and repeat key information to ensure understanding.
Listen and validate all feelings. Simply letting kids know that you understand and recognize their feelings is a huge support.
Children, like adults, experience grief in a variety of ways. Some may be sad and tearful, while others may not show any reaction and all of these reactions are normal.
It’s likely that you are experiencing your own sense of shock and loss, and we don't need to shield our children from this normal response. It will be important to model for your child how to manage your emotions in healthy ways.
Counseling Resources:
Some children might exhibit changes in behavior, such as difficulties with sleep, angry outburst, bedwetting, physical symptoms (e.g. stomachaches), and separation anxiety. If these behaviors persist or intensify, we encourage you to contact your pediatrician or one of the counseling resources listed below.
Westport Department of Human Services
We recognize that schools are closing and our school-based mental health resources will not be as readily available. We want you to know that we care and wish to support your children during this difficult time. Please feel free to contact Dr. Babich at vbabich@westportps.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Thomas Scarice (Superintendent), Valerie Babich (Coordinator of Psychological Services), Suzanne Levasseur (Supervisor of Health Services)