PUTNAM, Windham County, Conn., Oct. 19, 2026 — A man died after he was struck by a car in a shopping center parking lot early on Sunday morning, October 18. The crash happened near 235 Kennedy Drive at Riverfront Commons shortly after 2 a.m.
Officers were sent to the scene for a report of a car striking a pedestrian. They found a 29-year-old man with injuries described as serious and life-threatening.
Putnam EMS took him to Day Kimball Hospital, and he was then flown by helicopter to UMass Hospital, where he later died. Investigators said the vehicle involved had left the scene before officers arrived.
During the early stages of the investigation, the police said they learned the man had reportedly been in a physical altercation in the parking lot with another man, identified by police as 25-year-old Brandon Livingston of Woodstock. According to the account officials gave, bystanders broke up the fight, after which Livingston allegedly got into his car, struck the man and drove off.
Officers located Livingston a short time later and took his vehicle into evidence. He was arrested and faces charges of first-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility with serious physical injury or death, and disorderly conduct. He was held on $750,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned in Danielson Superior Court on Monday. The Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad and the Eastern District Major Crime Squad are assisting Putnam police in the investigation, which remains open.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Putnam, CT
This pedestrian crash happened on Kennedy Drive in Putnam, CT. We cover crashes across Windham County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Windham County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone on foot? Slowing down in parking lots and other low-speed areas, checking mirrors and blind spots before moving, and staying off the phone while driving all cut down on the chance of a pedestrian being struck.
What injuries do pedestrians typically suffer in these crashes? Even at low speeds, pedestrians hit by vehicles commonly suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since they have no protection from the impact.
What usually causes pedestrian crashes? Distraction, failing to yield, poor visibility at night, and impairment are frequent factors, along with disputes or altercations that escalate, as police allege happened in this case.
Does a vehicle's speed change the odds of survival? Yes. The faster a vehicle is moving at impact, the less likely a pedestrian is to survive or avoid serious injury, which is why speed limits matter most in areas where people are on foot.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Putnam, CT
Anyone who witnesses or is involved in a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately and stay at the scene if it's safe to do so. Leaving before police arrive, as alleged in this case, can turn a crash into a criminal matter.
Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor at first. Shock can mask pain, and some injuries, especially head and internal injuries, take time to show symptoms.
Try to note details while they're fresh: where the crash happened, any vehicles or people nearby, and anything said in the moments before and after. Cooperate with responding officers and, if asked, provide a statement describing what happened. Follow up with your own doctor in the days afterward, and keep records of any treatment in case they're needed later.
