Driver Charged In Crash That Killed DOT Worker In Wallingford: Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A 26-year-old Connecticut Department of Transportation worker was struck and killed by a vehicle while working on the Wharton Brook connector near Exit 13 in Wallingford on Friday morning, according to officials.

The employee has been identified as Andrew DiDomenico, of Meriden, according to Connecticut State Police.

State police said in a news release late Friday that Denise Lucibello, 55, was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the fatal accident.

"On scene investigation revealed that Lucibello was exhibiting signs of impairment," state police said in the release. "Lucibello was subjected to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and subsequently failed."

She was arrested and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in proper lane, failure to slow down/move over-non emergency vehicle, and misconduct with a motor vehicle, according to state police.

Lucibello was being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear at New Haven Superior Court on July 1.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy and one that never should have happened,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. “Andrew was with several of his colleagues in a work zone doing routine road maintenance when he was struck and killed by a driver. I am both outraged and saddened. I implore everyone getting behind the wheel to be fully alert and pay attention to what is happening on the road around them at all times. Show some respect for the workers on our interstates and roadways by following the speed limit and reducing your speed whenever you’re near work zones. My prayers are with Andrew’s family, friends, and his fellow state employees at the Connecticut Department of Transportation during this devastating time.”

State troopers responded around 9:15 a.m. to the I-91 southbound Exit 13 on-ramp on the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, according to police.

Police said an investigation found that DiDomenico was working alongside the shoulder of the Exit 13 on ramp “policing trash for mowing crews.”

A vehicle traveling on the Exit 13 on-ramp left the travel portion of the roadway and struck DiDomenico, according to police.

DiDomenico was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Police said the driver remained at the scene and is in custody. The driver’s identity and any charges related to the crash will be released later, according to police.

State DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said the entire agency is “heartbroken by Andrew’s tragic death.”

“Our sympathies are with his family, friends, and loved ones,” Eucalitto said. “Roadside workers are always in harm’s way and what happened today is the nightmare scenario no one wants to see happen. Andrew had his life cut tragically short and the bright future ahead of him will no longer be realized. It’s hard to express the absolute sadness, shock, and outrage the 3,200 men and women of the Connecticut DOT are feeling in this moment. As we all continue processing today’s horrible events, we ask the public to slow down and pay attention to help make sure we all get home alive.”

Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) President Carl Chisem said DOT union members “face constant dangers on our roads, bridges and highways, no one should sacrifice their life for their job.”

“Our top priority as a union has always been safety first and what occurred today is a devastating situation everyone hopes to avoid,” Chisem said. “Andrew's promising future was abruptly cut short, leaving us all with profound sorrow, shock, and disbelief. The men and women at the Connecticut Employees Union Independent across all agencies are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their union brother. As we process this heartbreaking news, we urge the public to drive cautiously and compassionately to ensure our roads are safe. Connecticut drivers need to take responsibility for the safety of everyone on the roads and slow down."

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz also implored motorists to drive safely.

“This is a terrible and senseless tragedy,” Bysiewicz said. “Especially as we head into the weekend and July 4th celebrations, please drive safely – use caution when approaching road work or stopped law enforcement, never drink and drive, and observe the speed limit. My heart breaks for the family of Andrew DiDomenico, and I’m keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. This is a young life taken far too soon because of someone else’s carelessness. We can all do more to make certain that each and every one of us is safer on our roadways.”

Lamont will order flags to be lowered statewide on the date of DiDomenico’s funeral.

The crash remains under investigation and any witnesses, or anyone with dash cam footage, is asked to contact Trooper Daniel McCue at 203-393-4200 or email daniel.mccue@ct.gov. Reference case number 2400248117.