Family of construction worker killed in Hartford mourns and demands justice for his death – NBC Connecticut

After a tragic loss, they’re demanding justice and accountability. The family of Jose Diaz Nieves, the construction worker killed earlier this week, is speaking for the first time only to NBC Connecticut. He died when he was struck by a car while on the job in Hartford.

“That was love that… was meant to last forever.”

The pain and shock are still palpable for the family of Diaz Nieves. Police said he was struck and killed by a car during road construction in Hartford on Wednesday.

“They took him away from us. He is all we had. Literally all we had,” said his daughter Marielis Diaz.

She called him a role model who did not hesitate to help his children.

“He taught me how to work. I had two jobs. I have everything I have. I am the woman I am today because of my father,” she said.

His son Jose Diaz says his father was a hero to him.

“He came home and faithfully went to work every day. He didn’t complain,” he said.

Diaz Nieves was also known as a selfless and dedicated construction worker who always went beyond what was expected.

“He would leave 15 minutes early every day to sit in his car and wait for work to start. He loved his job,” said Juan Diaz, the victim’s second cousin.

But the memories do not go back very far, especially for his wife Maria Santos Diaz, with whom he was married for 28 years.

“They are taking my heart. My everything,” she said.

Tommy Nguyen, the driver accused of killing Diaz Nieves, faces several charges, including second-degree manslaughter.

Nguyen’s lawyer said in court that he had suffered an epileptic seizure before the fatal accident. Family members expressed skepticism.

“You are afraid. Say you are afraid. You have done something you cannot undo,” said Jose Diaz.

In their view, they want Nguyen to receive the maximum sentence if convicted.

“I am shocked. I am angry and all we want is for justice to be done the right way,” said Juan Diaz.

The family is planning a vigil at the crash site Saturday afternoon and is welcoming anyone who knew Diaz Nieves to the memorial service on June 22 in East Hartford. They also plan to attend Nguyen’s next court date in July.