New Haven, CT (May 17, 2026) – A woman died and two other people were injured after a single-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon in New Haven.
Emergency units responded around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, to the 600 block of Woodward Avenue following reports of a serious collision. Officers arriving at the scene found an 18-year-old male passenger from Bridgeport on the ground outside the vehicle.
Officials said the driver, a 20-year-old woman from Bridgeport, and the front seat passenger, identified as 23-year-old Jocelyn Hernandez of West Haven, were still inside the vehicle with injuries. All three occupants were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment.
Authorities later confirmed that Hernandez died from her injuries at the hospital. The driver remained in critical condition, while the rear passenger suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said the vehicle had been traveling south on Woodward Avenue when it struck a tree. Additional details regarding the events leading up to the crash have not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Tree Collisions Often Cause Severe Damage in Single-Vehicle Crashes
Single-vehicle crashes involving trees can result in serious injuries because the impact is concentrated against a fixed object that does not move during a collision. Even at moderate speeds, these crashes may cause extensive damage to one side or the front of the vehicle.
Passengers seated closest to the point of impact can face especially severe injuries depending on the direction of travel and how the vehicle struck the object. In some cases, occupants may also be thrown from the vehicle during or after the crash.
Investigators often examine tire marks, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions to determine why a vehicle left the roadway. Curves, speed, and driver response are commonly reviewed after crashes involving roadside trees or utility poles.
