A Connecticut Dept of Transportation worker was killed on Friday morning around 10:35 near exit 20 of I95 south in Fairfield after being struck by a car.
That side of the highway was shut down for hours after the incident.
Ct State Police said the DOT worker, Elvin Hernandez, 60, was killed. Mr. Hernandez had been employed by the DOT for 16 years.
State Police said a Dept of Transportation Ford F350 dump truck operated by Horasio Lopez was parked within the right shoulder on I95 when his passenger, Mr. Hernandez exited the truck for debris removal.
At this time Edward Michael Myers, 60 of Derby, CT, was driving a 2006 Buick Lucerne which entered the grassy right shoulder and hit Mr. Hernandez.
Police said Mr. Myers exhibited multiple indicators of impairment at the collision scene including poor coordination, low and slow speech, severe disorientation and dilated pupils. He was evaluated for minor injuries at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where he admitted to having insufflated heroin prior to the collision. Additionally a plastic baggie containing a white pebble like substance that Myers admitted was freebase cocaine was located in his jacket pocket.
Mr. Myers was charged with DUI (2nd offense), Illegal Operation without Ignition Device, Failure to Drive in Proper Lane, Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd offense, and Manslaughter 2/Motor Vehicle. His bond was set at $750,000.
On behalf of the Dept of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Commissioner Ronnell Higgins said, “The entire Dept of Emergency Services and Public Protection family is heartbroken by this tragic death. We extend our deepest sympathy to Elvin Hernandez’s family, friends and loved ones. Our troopers and first responders work alongside highway crews every day, and they understand that risk firsthand. We stand with our partners at the Department of Transportation as they grieve one of their own. And we ask every driver: slow down, pay attention, and move over for those working on our roads.”
“Mr. Hernandez was performing vital work in service to the people of Connecticut when this tragedy occurred. His death is a painful reminder of the dangers faced every day by the men and women who work along our highways to keep our transportation system safe and operational.“