Elvin Hernandez, a 60-year-old Connecticut Department of Transportation worker, has died after being struck by a vehicle while performing road maintenance on Interstate 95 in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Hernandez was working along the southbound side of I-95 on Friday morning, September 25, when he was hit during a multi-vehicle crash. State officials later confirmed his death, prompting an outpouring of condolences from Connecticut leaders and CTDOT colleagues.
Elvin Hernandez Dies After I-95 Crash
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 10:35 a.m. on I-95 southbound near Exit 20 in Fairfield, according to Connecticut State Police.
Hernandez was carrying out road maintenance duties when he was struck. Emergency crews responded to the scene, while police began investigating the circumstances surrounding the multi-vehicle collision.
The crash resulted in a lengthy closure of the southbound interstate. Authorities initially closed I-95 between Exits 18 and 21, with traffic diverted from the highway while investigators worked at the scene. The roadway reopened later in the afternoon.
Elvin Hernandez at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Elvin Hernandez |
| Age | 60 |
| Occupation | Connecticut Department of Transportation worker |
| Employer | CTDOT |
| Years with CTDOT | Since 2010 |
| Work location | Stratford garage |
| Date of death | September 25, 2026 |
| Location | I-95, Fairfield, Connecticut |
| Crash time | Approximately 10:35 a.m. |
| Investigation | Connecticut State Police |
Who Was Elvin Hernandez?
Hernandez had worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation since 2010, giving him more than 15 years of service to the agency.
He was based at CTDOT’s Stratford garage and was working as part of the department’s highway maintenance operations when the fatal crash occurred.
His death has drawn attention to the risks faced by transportation workers who operate close to moving traffic while maintaining Connecticut’s roads.
Officials Mourn CTDOT Employee
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont publicly identified Hernandez following the crash and expressed condolences to his family, friends and coworkers.
Lamont also said he would order Connecticut flags to be lowered to half-staff in coordination with Hernandez’s funeral services. Funeral arrangements had not yet been announced as of Friday afternoon.
CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto also expressed grief over Hernandez’s death and urged motorists to exercise greater caution around highway workers and roadside crews.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz similarly highlighted the dangers CTDOT employees face while working on state roads.
Investigation Into the Fairfield I-95 Crash
Connecticut State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Initial reports identified the incident as a multi-vehicle crash that caused serious injuries and ultimately resulted in Hernandez’s death. Police had not released a complete account of how the vehicles collided or announced any criminal charges at the time of the latest reports.
WSHU reported that officials said the driver involved had been driving recklessly, while other early reports emphasized that the investigation remained active. Further details are expected as authorities continue examining the crash.
Family and Funeral Information
Hernandez’s family has not yet had funeral arrangements publicly announced.
The governor’s office said the date for lowering flags to half-staff would be announced once funeral services were scheduled. Additional information about his family and memorial arrangements may become available in subsequent announcements.
Remembering Elvin Hernandez
For more than 15 years, Hernandez served as a Connecticut transportation employee whose work involved maintaining the state’s roads.
His death has renewed attention on the dangers highway maintenance crews encounter while working near active traffic. State officials and transportation leaders have urged motorists to slow down, remain attentive and follow work-zone safety requirements when approaching roadside workers.
Hernandez’s death leaves his family, friends and CTDOT colleagues mourning the loss of a longtime public employee.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released and reported on September 25, 2026. The Connecticut State Police investigation into the fatal I-95 crash remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as authorities continue their work. Funeral arrangements were not publicly available at the time of publication.