Cathryn Katie Diana Hudak, a 25-year-old woman from Lowellville, Ohio, tragically lost her life on November 30, 2022. Cathryn, affectionately known as Katie, was the daughter of Robert and Deborah Pratt Hudak. She was born on September 15, 1997, in Youngstown, Ohio. Katie was a graduate of Lowellville High School, Class of 2016, and worked at the Purple Cat and later in the bakery at the Poland Giant Eagle.
She had a passion for musicals, especially "Rent," and animals.
Katie's death was a result of a domestic violence crime. She and her mother, Deborah Hudak, were shot by Jonathan Crago, a 38-year-old man who had a relationship with at least one of the victims. Following the shooting, Crago led police on a chase and ultimately took his own life. The Mahoning County Sheriff’s office described the violence as a domestic dispute.
The tragic incident occurred at their home in Lowellville, Ohio. Katie's sister, Brittany Hudak, revealed that Katie had been harassed by an ex-boyfriend before the shooting. Brittany emphasized the need for stricter punishments for domestic violence offenders. The community honored Katie and her mother with a candlelight vigil, attended by about 200 people.
The investigation into the case involved the Mahoning County Sheriff’s office, Ohio BCI, and the Mahoning County Homicide Task Force. Despite the efforts to apprehend Crago, he managed to evade capture until he ended his own life. The incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current laws and punishments for domestic violence.
Katie Hudak's legacy lives on through her family, friends, and the many animals she cared for. Her memory is cherished by her father, Robert Hudak, her sisters, Brittany and Robyn Nolfi, and her nephew and niece, Donato and Giavanna Nolfi. The community continues to remember Katie for her bubbly, compassionate, and empathetic nature.
