WATERBURY, CT – A police investigation has confirmed that reckless driving and alcohol impairment led to the fatal crash on Thomaston Avenue last summer, claiming the lives of four individuals, including 25-year-old Danaya Foster of Waterbury.
The July 19, 2024, head-on collision occurred on a dark stretch of Thomaston Avenue between West Main and Home streets. According to the final crash report obtained by the Republican-American through a Freedom of Information request, both drivers involved—Sha’ref Mahan, 26, of West Hartford, and Mark J. Sousa, 44, of Waterbury—were speeding and over the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of the crash.
Investigators determined that Mahan, operating a 2014 Audi A7, crossed into the northbound lane and collided with Sousa’s 2006 Lexus GS300. Witnesses reported seeing both vehicles traveling at high speeds and recklessly passing other cars before the impact. The collision caused both vehicles to erupt in flames, severely limiting the amount of evidence recoverable from the scene.
Toxicology reports revealed that Mahan had a blood alcohol level of 0.126, while Sousa’s was measured at 0.141—both exceeding Connecticut’s legal limit of 0.08. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that all four victims—Mahan, Sousa, Foster, and 28-year-old Lawrence Jackson, who was a passenger in Mahan’s vehicle—died from blunt force trauma sustained in the crash. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
According to Foster’s mother, she had just completed a long shift before being picked up for a night out with Mahan and Jackson. The group had intended to attend a 50 Cent concert at Elite Social Club in Waterbury but had to turn back after Mahan forgot his license.
Foster’s mother, now an advocate with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, expressed sorrow over the tragic circumstances, stating that her daughter, who was always mindful of safety, became an innocent victim of reckless behavior.
Mahan’s brother, Jay’Len Mahan, declined to comment, and attempts to reach the families of the other victims were unsuccessful. Authorities continue to stress the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, urging motorists to make responsible decisions behind the wheel to prevent similar tragedies.