Manchester, Connecticut — A Connecticut community is mourning the loss of a 3-year-old girl who died after being struck by a vehicle in the early morning hours on Wednesday, a tragedy that has left neighbors heartbroken and raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the incident.
According to Manchester Police, officers responded to East Center Street at approximately 4:36 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle.
Investigators said a 49-year-old Manchester man was driving westbound on East Center Street when his vehicle struck the young girl. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving efforts at the scene before transporting the child to Connecticut Children’s Hospital.
Despite those efforts, the girl later died from her injuries. Authorities have not yet publicly released her identity.
Neighbor Says Child Appeared at His Door Minutes Before Crash
As investigators worked to piece together what happened, a nearby resident revealed a heartbreaking detail that has deeply affected the community.
Jeffery Doll, who lives near the crash site, said the young girl came to his front door shortly before the collision occurred.
After learning about the incident, Doll reviewed footage from his home’s security cameras. According to him, the video showed the child attempting to open his front door at approximately 4:28 a.m., only minutes before she was struck.
“I wanted to cry. How do you feel about a little kid like that not having help. I wish I could have been there for her. It’s an awful day. Awful,” said Doll.
Doll said the footage appeared to show the child arriving from the west side of town. When no one answered the door, she eventually walked away.
Based on the timeline released by police, the crash occurred only moments later.
Driver Stayed at Scene and Is Cooperating
Manchester Police said the driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and has been cooperating with investigators.
Doll expressed sympathy for the driver as well, noting that the incident appears to have been a tragic accident rather than a hit-and-run.
“The guy, whoever was driving, stopped. It wasn’t a hit and run. It was a sane person. He probably feels worse than we do,” said Doll.
Authorities have not announced any charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Child Welfare Agency Had Opened Investigation
In a significant development, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) confirmed it had recently begun investigating the child’s family.
According to a statement from the agency, two reports alleging a lack of supervision had been received on June 1 and June 5, prompting an active investigation before the tragedy occurred.
“We are heartbroken by the death of this young child and extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” a DCF spokesperson said.
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The agency stated that it is now working closely with law enforcement to determine exactly what happened while also evaluating whether additional supportive services may be needed for the family.
Community Mourns a Tragic Loss
For neighbors like Doll, the tragedy is difficult to process.
He said he did not recognize the child but has been unable to stop thinking about her and the grief her family must now be experiencing.
“They’re in my prayers. I’ve been praying for that little girl, and I pray for that family,” said Doll. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. This is breaking my heart. All I want to do is sit down and bawl. It’s a horrible day.”
As investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Manchester community is left mourning the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the crash to contact Officer Nicholas Sinopoli as the investigation remains active.
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