Woman accused of striking, killing Connecticut Department of Transportation worker faces judge

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A woman is accused of striking and killing a Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) worker Friday morning on Interstate 91 in Wallingford faced a judge.

Andrew DiDomenico, 26, of Meriden, was killed while working on the Wharton Brook Connector , state officials said. He was working alongside the shoulder of exit 13 when a vehicle on the exit 13 on-ramp left the travel portion of the road and hit him, according to state police. He died at the scene.

Denise Lucibello, 55, of East Haven, failed a field sobriety test at the scene, according to state police.

She was arrested and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, failure to slow down/move over for a non-emergency vehicle and misconduct with a motor vehicle.

DiDomenico’s family was at Meriden Superior Court on Monday. They said he had been on the job for under three years, was a fan of the New England Patriots and New York Yankees, and was devoted to his career, showing up when he was called in at 2 a.m.

“Andrew was a son, a brother, a grandchild,” Melissa Lombardi, DiDomenico’s aunt, said outside of court. “He was a wonderful young man and this is a loss that we’ve never experienced and would never wish it on any other family.”

“It is very dangerous,” Connecticut State Police Sgt. Luke Davis said. “I can tell you from personal experience over a decade’s time, working in this job, in this capacity, that having nothing between you and having nothing but traffic passing by you but a painted white line, it is very real.”

DiDomenico’s wake will be held on Friday, followed by his funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Meriden, which will be open to the public. Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) previously said he would order flags to be lowered statewide on the date of DiDomenico’s funeral.

Lucibello previously had her license suspended and has a history of substance abuse.

A judge reduced her $1 million bond reduced to $500,000. Her next court appearance is set for Aug. 23.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.