New Haven Man Killed on Westport Merritt Parkway, State Police

Early Monday morning, a tragic accident on the Merritt Parkway in Westport claimed the life of a New Haven man. Traffic ground to a halt for hours as emergency crews responded.

The crash unfolded in the pre-dawn darkness near Exit 21. A disabled vehicle blocked the road, and a second car struck the victim while he checked the damage to his own car.

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Connecticut State Police are digging into the details and asking the public for any tips or information. The investigation remains ongoing.

Fatal Crash in Westport Shuts Down Merritt Parkway

Officials identified the victim as 50-year-old Salvatore Castelan-Flores of New Haven. Just after 4:15 a.m., Castelan-Flores lost control of his Chrysler Pacifica and crashed into a wooden guardrail near Exit 21.

The impact left his car disabled, sitting sideways across the roadway. That’s a risky spot for anyone, especially on a busy parkway before sunrise.

Moments Leading Up to the Fatal Impact

Investigators say Castelan-Flores got out to look at the damage. Another driver, a 41-year-old man from Seymour, was heading south in a Nissan Pathfinder in the left lane.

He saw the Chrysler blocking the road and tried to steer right, hoping to avoid a crash. Tragically, Castelan-Flores moved in the same direction at the same moment and the Pathfinder struck him.

Immediate Emergency Response and Road Closure

Westport emergency medical teams rushed to the scene, but Castelan-Flores didn’t survive. The southbound lanes of the Merritt Parkway closed between Exits 21 and 27 for several hours as the Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad collected evidence.

State Police Seeking Witnesses

No charges have been filed. Police want anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

If you have information, contact Trooper Roberto Juan at Troop G in Bridgeport. Even small details could help the investigation.

Traffic Safety Concerns on the Merritt Parkway

The Merritt Parkway’s scenic stretches are famous, but its narrow lanes and tricky curves keep drivers on edge. This Westport accident is a harsh reminder of how dangerous roadside emergencies can get, especially before dawn.

Drivers in Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, and Trumbull know the risks—unexpected stops, tight turns, and limited visibility. State police urge anyone with a disabled car to stay inside if at all possible and call for help right away.

Staying Safe During a Roadside Emergency

Those first few moments after an accident really matter. Here’s what authorities suggest if your car breaks down:

Turn on your hazard lights right away to warn others.
If you can, pull as far off the road as possible—ideally past the shoulder.
Call 911 or roadside assistance. Stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened.
Only get out if you’re absolutely sure there’s no traffic coming.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

This crash hit communities beyond just Westport. Folks in New Haven, Seymour, Bridgeport, and even places like Milford and Danbury feel the ripple effects—Connecticut’s roads really do connect us all, and a single incident can impact a whole region’s morning.

How You Can Help

Police are still investigating, but the community can play a part too. If you hear anything or spot something, please share the information State Police have provided.

Maybe you saw something on your dashcam, or noticed something odd while driving through the Merritt Parkway early Monday. Even small details from motorists could matter more than you think.

If you have any updates or tips, Troop G in Bridgeport is the main place to reach out. They’re keeping track of the case as it develops.

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Here is the source article for this story: New Haven Man Killed In Crash On Merritt Parkway In Westport: CT State Police

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