Some sad news to report, as a partner in Grant Thornton’s New York City office died in a one-car crash in Westport, Conn., on April 14.
Cullen Walsh, 39, was identified by authorities on Tuesday as the person killed in the crash, according to the Westport News.
Shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday morning, first responders found a vehicle, which had hit a utility pole and two trees, fully engulfed in flames. The crash also knocked down electrical wires, the Westport News reported.
Authorities believe that speed and a failure to negotiate the roadway were factors in the accident.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Walsh was a partner in Grant Thornton’s Accounting Advisory Services practice for the past two years.
Before joining Grant Thornton in 2017, Walsh was an assistant director at the FASB, where he was responsible for managing the board’s research agenda, overseeing international monitoring of projects undertaken by other standards-setters, and managing the execution of implementation working groups. From 2011 to 2013, Walsh was a practice fellow at the FASB,
It was during his time at the FASB when Walsh met his future wife, Meredith, who also was a practice fellow.
Walsh spent the first 12 years of his professional career at KPMG, in both Boston and the national office in New York City, as a senior manager in the firm’s audit practice.
According to his obituary, Walsh was known for his compassion and soft smile, as well as his calm demeanor and personality, which put everyone at ease.
A humble and genuinely all-around nice guy and beautiful person, Cullen was a devoted husband, dog lover, an amazing cook and an old soul who loved learning how to dance to big band and swing music, collecting old books and hosting dinner parties with friends and family. He was often the smartest guy in the room and was known for public speaking and problem-solving.
Walsh is survived by his wife, parents, five siblings, and his nieces and nephews.
