TOLLAND, CT — A 17-year-old Coventry boy died Sunday night after state police say he was hit by a vehicle on Route 30 in Tolland. Troopers were called to the area around 10:40 p.m. for a reported car-versus-pedestrian crash.
Connecticut State Police said the teenager, identified as Blake Michael Lemire, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Life Star was requested, and Route 30 was shut down while crews worked the crash site.
What did troopers say happened on Route 30?
According to state police, a 22-year-old Vernon man was driving a black 2016 Ford Taurus south on Route 30, also known as Crystal Lake Road, when it struck Lemire. Investigators said the crash happened nearly a half-mile south of Willow Creek Drive.
State police said they believe Lemire was standing in the roadway at the time of impact. The driver stopped after the collision and waited for troopers to arrive.
Who was in the vehicle and were there injuries?
The driver did not report injuries, according to state police. Two passengers in the Taurus also said they were not hurt.
One passenger was a 21-year-old Vernon man. The other was a man from Virginia who turned 20 on Monday.
What is known about Lemire and the response from his family?
A GoFundMe page was launched for Lemire’s family to help with expenses during what it described as an extremely difficult period. The fundraiser said the family is grieving the loss of their son and brother, and that Lemire’s life affected many people.
By Monday night, the fundraiser had raised more than $13,000.
What happens next in the investigation?
The crash remains under investigation with help from the state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad. Troopers have asked anyone with information to contact Trooper Eric Baillargeon at 860-896-3200, ext. 8016, or by email at eric.baillargeon@ct.gov.
Officials have not announced any charges or further findings.
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