Gone Too Soon: Quaza May, 25, Tragically Killed in New Haven Crash After Hitting Speed Bump

NEW HAVEN, CT – A quiet New Haven neighborhood was shaken early Saturday morning after a violent car crash claimed the life of 25-year-old Quaza May, a local woman remembered by friends and family as vibrant, loving, and full of promise.

The deadly collision happened just before 2 a.m. near the intersection of Shelton Avenue and Gibbs Street. According to New Haven police, officers responded to the area around 1:50 a.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a car that had crashed into a tree.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered May inside the heavily damaged vehicle, critically injured. She was immediately rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Police say May had been driving southbound on Shelton Avenue when her car went over a speed bump at what may have been a high rate of speed. The impact caused her to lose control of the vehicle, which then veered sharply to the left before striking a tree along the roadside. No other vehicles were involved, and there is no indication at this time of foul play.

Investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances of the crash, including whether speed, distraction, or possible impairment played a role. Shelton Avenue was briefly closed to traffic early Saturday as the crash reconstruction team documented the scene.

Friends and loved ones took to social media Saturday to share their grief and memories of May, describing her as “a bright soul” and “someone who lit up every room she entered.” One friend wrote, “She was the kind of person who never let you feel alone. This is a huge loss for all of us.”

Neighbors in the area told reporters that the stretch of Shelton Avenue where the crash occurred can be deceptively dangerous at night, especially with limited lighting and the presence of speed bumps. Some residents are calling for better signage or traffic calming measures in the wake of the crash.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area to come forward as the investigation continues.

Quaza May’s death marks another heartbreaking reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on the road. As her family prepares to say goodbye, a community is left grieving—and searching for answers.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.