Stamford Driver Involved in I-95 Crash that Killed CT National Guardsman

Update, 3:29 p.m. Aug. 8:

New York State Police have identified the drivers in the crash that killed a soldier on Interstate 95 in Rye, NY Thursday. Their initial investigation reveals that both vehicles were traveling in the southbound lanes when Odson Meritle, 40, of Stamford CT, crashed into the military vehicle, causing it to roll over.

The driver of the military vehicle, Sgt. 1st Class Kayla A. Cerda, 31, of Shelton, was seriously injured and is being treated at a local hospital. Her passenger, Staff Sgt. Ronald R. Patterson, 43, of Bridgeport, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

The New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation are continuing to investigate the accident. Police have not filed any charges at this time while they continue to investigate the collision.

Original article:

The Connecticut National Guard soldier who died Thursday as the result of a crash on southbound I-95 in Rye, NY has been identified, according to ArmyTimes.com.

Ronald Patterson Jr., 43, of Bridgeport was killed Thursday when the military truck he was traveling in rolled over after an accident on I-95. He was the passenger in a truck headed to Fort Dix in New Jersey. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the guardsman who was driving the truck and the driver of a sedan who was also injured.

The crash occurred at 10:22 a.m. in the southbound lane of I-95 at Exit 21 at the connection to Interstate 287. After shutting down the highway completely for accident reconstruction Thursday, New York State police determined that the truck and a southbound vehicle collided, causing the truck to roll over, ejecting both soldiers.

Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the soldier who died in the accident. Flags will remain at half-staff until services are held. Gov. Malloy and Lt Gov. Nancy Wyman issued a joint statement:

“The men and women of the National Guard provide an invaluable service to our state and our country – they are extraordinary ambassadors for Connecticut and the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all of those involved in today’s accident. We join the Connecticut National Guard in mourning the loss of one of our brave soldiers, and our prayers for a quick and full recovery go out to the soldier who was injured.”