The Friday evening crash caused the closure of all the northbound lanes in the area of Exit 6 before the right lane opened, Connecticut State Police said.
Tamar Milteer of New Rochelle, a passenger in one of the cars, a Ford Fiesta, was pronounced dead at Stamford Hospital.
Another passenger in that car, 19-year-old Syerra Mcghee, also of New Rochelle, suffered serious injuries. Her injuries are described as non-life threatening. The driver of the 27-year-old Jonathan Morales of Endicott, NY, suffered a minor injury.
According to the police report, Bridgeport resident Osnalba Alvarado, 59, was driving north in the left lane when she stopped for traffic.
The Ford Fiesta with the three aboard was behind and also stopped for traffic.
The third car involved, a Chevrolet Suburban, allegedly failed to stop in time and rear-ended the Fiesta, which then entered the right shoulder where it struck the cement barrier, according to the police report.
The crash remains under investigation.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mahopac and receive free news updates.