NEW LONDON, Conn. — A Connecticut man, Reginald Collins, who was facing charges related to a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a truck driver, has passed away due to cancer. Collins, aged 60, died on December 1, leading to the formal dismissal of the negligent homicide and other charges he had been facing in the New London Superior Court earlier this month.
The response from Collins’ legal counsel was mixed, expressing both relief and sorrow over the situation. Anthony Basilica, his lawyer, referred to the dismissal as “somewhat bittersweet” for Collins’ family. Basilica highlighted the family’s happiness about the charges being dropped but noted the sadness of Reginald not being there to receive the news personally. He also shared his personal disbelief regarding the initial charges against Collins.
This unfortunate incident dates back to April 2023 when Collins was allegedly responsible for an accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, a crucial transit link between New London and Groton on Interstate 95, a vital route connecting New York and Boston. According to law enforcement, Collins had stopped in the right lane due to a tire blowout when a fuel delivery truck collided with his vehicle, causing it to overturn and ignite. This crash resulted in the spillage of about 2,200 gallons of home heating oil, some of which leaked into the nearby river.
Tragically, the truck driver, aged 42, lost his life in the incident, while Collins and his passenger were rescued by other drivers at the scene. Police alleged that Collins contributed to creating a “traffic hazard” by not activating his hazard lights and failing to move his car to the roadside. Nevertheless, Collins asserted that the inability to pull over was due to his vehicle being disabled.
Basilica also pointed out that dash cam footage from a passing vehicle indicated that Collins’ car had been stationary for over 20 seconds, and other motorists had successfully navigated around him. “In the end, this was a tragic accident that could have been avoided,” he remarked. Collins had entered a plea of not guilty to charges including negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, improper parking, unregistered vehicle operation, and driving without appropriate insurance.
