Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto are mourning the death of CTDOT employee Elvin Hernandez, 60, who was killed this morning when he was struck by a motor vehicle while doing road maintenance work on Interstate 95 in Fairfield.
Hernandez worked for CTDOT since 2010 and was based out of the agency's Stratford garage. Governor Lamont will order flags lowered to half-staff in coordination with the date of Hernandez's funeral services, which have not yet been determined. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification indicating when flags should be lowered.
"It is with incredible sadness today that we are mourning the loss of Connecticut state employee Elvin Hernandez, who was struck and killed while working on the job in a heartbreaking tragedy that never should have happened," Governor Lamont said. "CTDOT workers face dangerous situations while performing their jobs because of drivers who aren't paying attention to road conditions and speeding through work zones. I am imploring every single driver to show CTDOT and all other road maintenance workers and first responders respect and slow down whenever you see them working on our roads."
"I'm heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of our dedicated public servants, Elvin Hernandez," Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. "This tragedy is a stark reminder of the immense danger our CTDOT workers face in their jobs each day."
"We are heartbroken by Elvin Hernandez's tragic death," Commissioner Eucalitto said. "What happened today on I-95 in Fairfield is a senseless tragedy. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who loved them. Today's tragedy is the nightmare scenario that every CTDOT employee and highway worker fears."
Carl R. Chisem, president of CEUI Local 511, said Hernandez was "a proud union member and CTDOT employee" who "was struck and killed in a work zone by a driver who chose to drive recklessly in a work zone. This loss did not have to happen." Chisem said the union has fought for stricter work zone speeding laws and tougher enforcement, adding: "We will never forget Brother Elvin. We will carry his name forward in this fight."