The Tragic Accident That Changed Chris Berman’s Life: New Details On The 2017 Crash And Lawsuit Settlement

The tragic 2017 car accident that claimed the life of Katherine Ann “Kathy” Berman, the wife of legendary ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman, remains a poignant and complex story in the world of sports media, with a ripple effect that continues to this day. Although the accident occurred on May 9, 2017, the legal and emotional fallout has seen recent developments, underscoring the enduring pain and complexity of the event. On this current date, the details of the fatal Woodbury, Connecticut, crash are a stark reminder of the personal tragedy that struck one of television’s most recognizable voices.

The incident, which also tragically killed the driver of the second vehicle, Edward Berthelot, involved a high-profile investigation that concluded with findings of intoxication, adding layers of sorrow and legal complexity to the narrative. The subsequent wrongful death lawsuit against a local restaurant, which has since been settled, marks the final major chapter in the public handling of this devastating loss for the Berman family and the family of Mr. Berthelot.

Biography: Chris and Katherine Ann Berman

The story of the accident is inextricably linked to the lives and careers of the couple involved, Chris and Katherine Ann Berman, who were married for more than 33 years.

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Christopher James “Chris” Berman

• Nickname: "Boomer"
• Born: May 10, 1955 (Greenwich, Connecticut)
• Career: American sportscaster and television personality.
• Affiliation: ESPN (since October 1979, one month after its inception).
• Signature Roles: Anchor for SportsCenter, host of Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown.
• Awards and Honors: Six-time National Sportscaster of the Year, winner of 10 Emmy Awards for his work, covered 35 Super Bowls.
• Family: Married Katherine Ann “Kathy” Berman; two children, Meredith and Douglas Berman.

Katherine Ann “Kathy” Berman (née Allen)

• Born: 1949 (approximate)
• Died: May 9, 2017 (Age 67)
• Career: A longtime public school educator. She worked for many years as a fourth-grade teacher in the Waterbury public schools.
• Community Role: Served as a trustee and substitute teacher at St. Margaret's-McTernan School (now Chase Collegiate School) in Waterbury.
• Marriage: Married Chris Berman for over 33 years.
• Legacy: Remembered for her dedication to education and her kind, supportive nature, often seen at her husband’s side during his celebrated career.

The Tragic Details of the Woodbury, CT Car Accident

The fatal two-car crash occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 9, 2017, on Route 64 in Woodbury, Connecticut. The event sent shockwaves through the sports world and the local community, as the details of the tragedy began to emerge.

Accident Scene and Initial Findings

The collision took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. EDT. According to Connecticut State Police reports, Katherine Ann Berman’s Lexus SC 430 rear-ended a Ford Escape driven by 69-year-old Edward Berthelot of Waterbury.

The force of the impact was immense. Both vehicles veered off the road. Mrs. Berman’s car traveled down an embankment and overturned, coming to rest in a small stream. Mr. Berthelot’s vehicle also went off the road and struck a utility pole. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

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The death of a beloved figure's spouse is always a difficult public event, but the subsequent police investigation introduced a devastating layer of complexity to the narrative, which became a central focus of the media coverage.

The State Police Report: Cause and Controversy

Months after the crash, the Connecticut State Police released their final accident reconstruction report, which contained the most painful findings for the Berman family and the public.

• Intoxication Finding: The report concluded that Katherine Ann Berman was legally intoxicated at the time of the crash. Her blood-alcohol content (BAC) was determined to be 0.24, which is three times the legal limit of 0.08 in Connecticut.
• Causation: The police report officially concluded that Mrs. Berman was at fault for the accident, stating that her intoxication and excessive speed were the primary factors that caused her to rear-end Edward Berthelot’s vehicle.
• Edward Berthelot: The investigation found no evidence of intoxication or excessive speed on the part of Edward Berthelot, the other victim. He was an innocent party in the tragic collision.

This conclusion transformed the accident from a simple tragedy into a complex public discussion about impaired driving, even as the sports world rallied to support Chris Berman in his grief. The findings highlighted the devastating consequences for both families, including the loss of Edward Berthelot, a fellow Waterbury resident.

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The Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Final Settlement

The most recent and definitive development in the aftermath of the crash was the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Edward Berthelot. This legal action was the final public chapter in seeking accountability for the dual tragedy.

The Lawsuit Against the Restaurant

The family of Edward Berthelot filed a wrongful death lawsuit not against the Berman estate, but against a local Woodbury restaurant. The suit alleged that the restaurant had served alcohol to Katherine Ann Berman when she was already visibly intoxicated, violating Connecticut’s dram shop laws.

The lawsuit sought damages for the loss of life and the suffering caused to Mr. Berthelot’s family. Dram shop laws hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons who then cause harm to others.

The Settlement Conclusion

In a final attempt to bring closure to the matter, the lawsuit was ultimately settled out of court. The settlement was reached between the restaurant and the family of Edward Berthelot. While the specific financial terms of the settlement were not made public, the agreement essentially closed the legal chapter of the tragic accident.

This settlement serves as the most current and fresh piece of information regarding the 2017 crash. It signifies the end of the legal process and a step toward finality for the Berthelot family, while also underscoring the legal consequences stemming from the police report’s findings of intoxication.

The Enduring Legacy and Chris Berman’s Resilience

Chris Berman, known for his energetic "Boomer" persona and iconic sports calls, stepped away from many of his full-time anchoring duties at ESPN shortly before the accident, though he remained an integral part of the network's NFL coverage. The loss of his wife of over three decades was a profound personal blow that required immense resilience.

A Private Grief, A Public Life

Following the tragedy, Chris Berman received an outpouring of support from the sports community, including colleagues, athletes, and fans. He took time away from the public eye to mourn, leaning on his two children, Meredith and Douglas.

The focus of his public statements has been on honoring his wife’s memory as a dedicated teacher and mother. He often speaks of the deep bond they shared, having met in 1983 and married in 1984, long before his career reached its peak.

The story of the accident is a somber reminder that tragedy can strike anyone, regardless of fame or public status. The dual loss of Katherine Ann Berman and Edward Berthelot remains a deeply felt event in the Woodbury and Waterbury communities, and a difficult chapter in the personal history of one of ESPN's most legendary figures.