Thomas Lucian Vitale Obituary, Death; University student was killed in wrong-way crash on Merritt Parkway last week has been identified
Thomas Lucian Vitale Obituary, Death; – Officials have confirmed that one of the victims in a tragic wrong-way crash on the Merritt Parkway in Stratford last week was a Fairfield University student. The student, Alexander Dennis, 21, was driving home to Massachusetts for the summer when the accident occurred.
The crash took place around 1:43 a.m. on Thursday when a Honda CRV traveling north in the southbound lane collided with a Chrysler Town & Country minivan, causing the Honda to catch fire. The driver of the Chrysler, Steven Rowland, 55, and two passengers, Thomas Lucian Vitale, 80, and Olga Vitale, 81, all from Easton, died at the scene. The identity of the Honda driver was initially pending an autopsy, but it has now been confirmed as Alexander Dennis.
Fairfield University expressed their condolences and stated that they will hold a gathering to celebrate Alex’s life when students return to campus in the fall. The state police are currently investigating the crash, while the state has been implementing measures to prevent wrong-way crashes on its highways. In 2022 alone, there have been 13 wrong-way crashes resulting in 23 fatalities, according to the state Department.
