WALLINGFORD, Conn. — A late-night crash along Route 5/15 in Wallingford claimed the lives of two young men from Massachusetts after their vehicle, driven by a man suspected of being impaired, careened off the highway and rolled down a steep embankment, according to Connecticut State Police.
The fatal crash occurred just before midnight Friday near Exit 85, when a black Infiniti G37, driven by 22-year-old Alexis Joel Garcia of Springfield, Massachusetts, lost control and veered across the northbound lanes. Police said the car struck a guardrail before plunging down the embankment, where it came to rest deep in a wooded area.
State Police identified the victims as Joshua Gonzalez, 25, of Springfield, and Edwin Abraham Guzman, 21, of Chicopee. Both men sustained severe injuries in the violent crash. Emergency crews arrived to find the vehicle heavily damaged and the victims outside the car. Firefighters used ropes and a rescue basket to retrieve them from the steep terrain. Despite their efforts, both men were later pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital.
Authorities said Garcia was also injured and later charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He was taken into custody following treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators believe impairment and excessive speed may have played a role in the crash, though the investigation remains active.
Police and firefighters worked for hours to secure the crash site and recover the victims, as traffic along Route 5/15 north was diverted during the overnight hours. The section near Exit 85 remained closed for several hours as accident reconstruction teams documented the scene.
The tragic crash has devastated families and friends across western Massachusetts, where Gonzalez and Guzman were remembered for their kindness and close friendship. Connecticut State Police are urging drivers to make responsible choices and avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired. “This crash is a stark reminder of how quickly impaired driving can destroy lives,” a department spokesperson said.