State police: Driver was high on heroin in crash that killed longtime DOT worker
Officials say Edward Myers of Derby admitted to snorting heroin prior to the crash that killed Elvin Hernandez.
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Connecticut State Police say a 60-year-old man was high on drugs before causing a crash that killed a longtime state Department of Transportation employee.
Officials say Edward Myers of Derby admitted to snorting heroin prior to the crash that killed Elvin Hernandez.
The crash happened Friday morning on Interstate 95 South near the area of exit 20.
State police say Myers was driving erratically and entered the grassy right shoulder, where his car collided with Hernandez, who was outside clearing debris.
Hernandez, a 16-year veteran with CTDOT, was rushed to the hospital, but died from his injuries.
He becomes the second DOT maintenance worker killed on the job in the past two years.
"His family is traumatized right now and in shock," says Cindy Iodice, founder of Flagman, Inc. "They have suffered a loss that they will never recover from."
State police say Myers also had a baggie of cocaine in his jacket pocket at the time of the crash. He faces a slew of charges including manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence, and possession of a controlled substance.
"No one should have to die in the line of duty while they're at work," state Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston says. "Lives are at stake, and if you cannot follow the conditions of our roads and the laws of our roads... we will make sure you are held accountable."
CTDOT commissioner Garret Eucalitto says workers are sad and angry.
“We are heartbroken by Elvin Hernandez’s tragic death," Eucalitto wrote in a statement. "Today’s tragedy is the nightmare scenario that every CTDOT employee and highway worker fears."
State police say Myers was unable to post his $750,000 cash bond.
He's scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
