Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) President Carl Chisem released the following statements following the death of CTDOT employee Andrew DiDomenico, 26, who was killed today while working on the Wharton Brook Connector in Wallingford.
Commissioner Eucalitto said: "Our entire agency is heartbroken by Andrew’s tragic death. Our sympathies are with his family, friends, and loved ones. Roadside workers are always in harm’s way and what happened today is the nightmare scenario no one wants to see happen. Andrew had his life cut tragically short and the bright future ahead of him will no longer be realized. It’s hard to express the absolute sadness, shock, and outrage the 3,200 men and women of the Connecticut DOT are feeling in this moment. As we all continue processing today’s horrible events, we ask the public to slow down and pay attention to help make sure we all get home alive."
CEUI President Chisem said: "Our entire union is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Andrew. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. Our DOT union members face constant dangers on our roads, bridges and highways, no one should sacrifice their life for their job. Our top priority as a union has always been safety first and what occurred today is a devastating situation everyone hopes to avoid. Andrew's promising future was abruptly cut short, leaving us all with profound sorrow, shock, and disbelief. The men and women at the Connecticut Employees Union Independent across all agencies are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their union brother. As we process this heartbreaking news, we urge the public to drive cautiously and compassionately to ensure our roads are safe. Connecticut drivers need take responsibility for the safety of everyone on the roads and slow down."
Contact:
Josh Morgan, CTDOT
Communications Director
860-597-7821
Kate Sullivan, CEUI Local 511
Communications Director
203-800-5772