Frank Peterson III, 50, had picked up Anthony Lewis Johnson, 40, from his job at Bertucci’s on Route 1, then the two went for burgers, the Advocate said.
They were heading south on Connecticut Avenue near the DoubleTree Hotel near the Darien border when the deadly head-on crash occurred, police said.
Related story: Norwalk Police Identify Two Men Killed In Head-On Crash On Route 1
John Johnson, the father of Anthony Johnson, who was in rehab, said the two best friends were getting back on their feet, the Advocate said.
Norwalk police are continuing to investigate the crash, which sent the male driver of the other car to Norwalk Hospital with serious injuries.
The crash between a Subaru sedan and a BMW occurred at 10:11 p.m. on Route 1 near the border of Darien and Norwalk.
Arriving officers found two cars in the roadway with extensive damage, police said. Peterson and Johnson, who were the occupants of one car, were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The Norwalk Fire Department extricated all three men from the wreckage of the two cars, police said.
The preliminary investigation indicates the cars were traveling in opposite directions on Connecticut Avenue when the head-on collision occurred, police said.
Connecticut Avenue remained closed for many hours while the Norwalk Police Accident Investigators and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Officer Christopher Wasilewski at 203-854-3035.
Witnesses can also call the Norwalk PD tip line at 203-854-3111 or send anonymous tips to www.norwalkpd.com or by text by typing NPD into the text field, followed by the message and sending it to CRIMES (274637).
A memorial service will be held for Anthony Johnson at Sacred Heart Church 37 Schuyler Ave., Stamford, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13.
He was born Sept. 27, 1977, and is survived by his parents John Johnson and Lillian Bowron-Johnson of Stamford; sister Gina Johnson-LaLuna; brother-in-law Lenny LaLuna of Stamford; brother Michael Maler, sister-in-law Marcie Maler of Branford; sister Kimberly-Ann Johnson of Stamford; and three nephews, Jason Kane Jr, Michael and Christian Maler, as well as several uncles, aunts and cousins.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.lacerenzafuneralhome.com.
Click here for the story at the Stamford Advocate.
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