Rocky Hill, CT (September 7, 2026) – A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle Sunday evening, September 6, on Glastonbury Avenue in Rocky Hill. The driver was arrested on suspicion of operating under the influence, according to authorities.
Police said the crash occurred around 8:42 p.m. when a vehicle struck a man walking along Glastonbury Avenue. The victim, identified by authorities as 65-year-old Rocky Hill resident Miguel A. Collado, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver, identified by police as 23-year-old Sarah Bezdelovs of Rocky Hill, reportedly remained at the scene and was charged with driving under the influence, according to authorities. She was released after posting bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month, police said.
Glastonbury Avenue was closed for several hours as officers investigated before reopening to traffic. Authorities said the crash was one of several suspected OUI-related collisions reported across the state that same night, though the case in Rocky Hill remains under investigation and no further details have been released.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
A Common Misconception About Impaired-Driving Pedestrian Crashes
Many people assume that alcohol-related pedestrian crashes are rare, isolated events involving reckless behavior far from ordinary streets. In reality, these crashes often happen on familiar roads at familiar hours, when someone is walking through a neighborhood they know well.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occurred every 42 minutes on average in 2023. That figure suggests impaired driving is a persistent, everyday risk rather than an occasional lapse, and pedestrians face that risk simply by being near traffic when it happens.
The assumption that “it won’t happen here” tends to fade quickly in communities that experience more than one such crash in a short span, a pattern authorities in Connecticut noted following this incident and two others reported the same night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers are still required to yield regardless of whether a formal crosswalk is present at an intersection.
How can drivers reduce the risk of hitting a pedestrian?
Staying alert in low-light conditions, slowing down in residential areas, and never driving after drinking are among the most effective ways to avoid pedestrian collisions.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer head trauma, spinal injuries, fractures, and internal injuries, since they have little protection against the force of impact.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and poor visibility at night are frequently cited factors in pedestrian crashes.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Rocky Hill, Connecticut
If you witness or are involved in a pedestrian crash, call 911 immediately so emergency responders and police can reach the scene quickly. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, particularly head and internal injuries, are not immediately obvious.
Try to remain at the scene and cooperate with responding officers, who will need to document the crash for their report. If you’re a bystander, offering to stay as a witness can help investigators piece together what happened. Rocky Hill residents affected by this kind of loss may also find it helpful to lean on neighbors, local support services, or community resources in the days that follow.
