Mother Dies While Saving 7-Year-Old Daughter in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Meriden

MERIDEN, CT — A 40-year-old Meriden woman was killed Friday when she pushed her 7-year-old daughter out of the way of a car careening toward them, according to Meriden police.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Sprindale and Lewis avenues, as the two were crossing the street, and the driver of the car that hit them drove off afterward. Police were continuing to search for the vehicle on Monday.

"Upon their arrival, Meriden Police Officers discovered a mother (40 years of age) who had suffered life threatening injuries and her daughter (7 years old) who had also suffered injuries," police wrote in a statement.

The mother, Dania Cegeno-Delrosario, was first treated at MidState Medical Center but was transported by LifeStar to Hartford Hospital, where she was eventually pronounced dead, reports the Meriden Record-Journal. She reportedly pushed her daughter, Denisse, to safety just as the car veered into them, and the young girl suffered minor injuries.

Witnesses to the crash initially described the suspect vehicle as red with tinted windows, though police said the color may be different. The car also has a missing side mirror, writes the Record-Journal; the mirror found at the scene is by Nissan.

Police are viewing surveillance footage from the area and are hoping eye witnesses come forward to help in the investigation.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact either Lt. Thomas Cossette or Officer Mark Gibbs at 203-630-6215," police wrote.

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Click here to read the full story on the Meriden Record-Journal website.

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