A tragic accident on Interstate 95 in Connecticut left 41-year-old Suniel Michael Ross of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, dead after being struck by an SUV. The incident occurred around 12:25 p.m. on Wednesday near Exit 43 in the northbound lanes, resulting in a prolonged highway closure.
According to Connecticut State Police, Ross ran across three southbound lanes before entering the highway’s center median. For reasons still under investigation, he then jumped over the barrier into the northbound lanes, causing a vehicle in the left lane to come to an abrupt stop. Moments later, a 2010 Toyota RAV4 traveling behind the stopped vehicle swerved into the center lane to avoid a collision, hitting Ross as he entered its path.
Emergency responders quickly transported Ross to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Toyota RAV4 was unharmed and remained at the scene to cooperate with authorities. The incident caused significant traffic delays as the northbound lanes of I-95 were closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation.
Authorities are working to determine the reasons behind Ross’s actions, which remain unclear. Connecticut State Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging witnesses or anyone with dash camera footage of the incident to contact Trooper Rahiem Farrow at Troop G in Bridgeport. Their input could prove crucial in piecing together the events leading to the fatal collision.
The closure of the highway during the investigation caused widespread disruptions, as drivers were rerouted or delayed. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of pedestrian activity on major highways and highlights the critical need for caution in such high-speed areas.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the circumstances of Ross’s tragic death. This incident emphasizes the importance of safety for both pedestrians and motorists, underscoring the unpredictable risks of such accidents and the need for preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.