Second Pedestrian Of Week Now Dead In West Hartford: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — For the second time this week, a pedestrian is now dead after being hit by a vehicle in West Hartford, prompting police to issue an urgent plea for motorist/pedestrian safety.

The West Hartford Police Department announced Thursday evening the victim in Wednesday evening's vehicle-vs.-pedestrian accident had succumbed to his injuries.

Police identified the victim as Carlos Galarza, 60, a Bridgeport resident.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, the WHPD was called to the scene of a motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, who was identified as Galarza.

According to the Connecticut Post, Galarza was a contractor for DiGiorgi Roofing and, after finishing work, he was helping a neighbor exit their driveway before he was hit by a vehicle.

Police said the driver of the vehicle was cooperating with police, with the WHPD's Accident Reconstruction Team investigating the incident.

In addition, the Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified as well, police said.

Galarza's death comes after an elderly woman was killed while she was crossing the street Tuesday evening by a hit-and-run driver at the intersection of Boulevard and Whiting Lane.

Last Saturday, Dec. 17, a pedestrian was seriously injured crossing the street on South Main St.
Galarza's death prompted West Hartford Chief of Police Vernon Riddick Jr. to issue a statement about what is a growing concern in town — pedestrian safety.

"The West Hartford Police Department and town officials are very concerned regarding all motor vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions that occur in our town," Riddick said.

He said all three incidents since Dec. 17 resulted in critical injuries and two fatalities and all three are still under investigation, with the causes all undetermined.

Riddick said the WHPD Traffic Division and the town's engineering department will evaluate the situation and implement "corrective measures — including directed traffic enforcement."

On Wednesday morning, local activists were joined by town officials at the scene ot Tuesday's fatal accident to urge action on the problem.

Riddick said the problem will be addressed in town.

"In the interim, I want to remind all drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings, obey traffic laws and avoid distractions while traveling on our roadways," he said.

From Dec. 21: 'Update: Pedestrian Fighting For Life After Being Hit In West Hartford'

From Dec. 21: 'Woman, 89, Killed In Hit-And-Run Accident: West Hartford PD'

From Dec. 18: 'Pedestrian Hurt After Being Hit By Car In West Hartford'

For the Connecticut Post report, click on this link.