STAMFORD, Conn. A Massachusetts man has been identified as the driver killed when a tree fell on the car while he was driving during a heavy rainstorm Thursday on the southbound Merritt Parkway, the Stamford Advocate reported.
Norman Gamache, 74, of Westport, Mass., was pronounced dead at the scene, state police said. Passenger Goldie Gitlin, 84, of North Dartmouth, Mass., suffered a fracture and cuts and was taken to Stamford Hospital for treatment, the state police said. A 24-year-old Scarsdale, N.Y., woman who was also a passenger was not injured.
The tree fell across the parkway between exits 34 and 35 at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The tree fell on top of the 2008 Lincoln Town Car livery vehicle, crushing the driver, according to the Advocate.
The southbound lanes were closed for about four hours and traffic had to be turned around and diverted off the road at Exit 35.
Do you think the trees along the Merritt Parkway should be trimmed to improve safety?
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.