Fairfield University Student Killed in Car Accident on Walk Home: School

Alexander Dennis had just completed his junior year studying visual and performing arts at Fairfield University.

May 10, 2024, 2:30 p.m. EDT | Updated May 10, 2024, 2:54 p.m. EDT

FAIRFIELD, CT – A Fairfield University student died in a car accident Thursday while on his way home to Massachusetts after completing his junior year, the university announced Friday.

Details of the accident that killed Alexander Dennis, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, have not been released, but a post on the school’s Facebook page credits Dennis as a visual and performing arts student with special Mentioned interest in the film.

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“At a time of year when we are actively committed to celebrating our students and their achievements, a loss like this seems unimaginable,” wrote Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. “Those who knew and loved Alex will be particularly affected by his death, and his loss will be felt across campus. Our Jesuit colleagues are available to our community, as are Campus Ministry and Counseling Center staff. For Employees of Employees. The Assistance Program (EAP) may also be a helpful resource at this time.”

The university plans to celebrate Dennis’ life in the fall when students return to campus.

It was not immediately known where Dennis died, but WFSB-TV reported that he was the wrong-way driver in the fatal crash on Route 15 that killed four people in Stratford on Thursday.

Patch has reached out to Connecticut State Police for comment, but authorities have not confirmed this report. One of the vehicles involved in the crash, a 2016 Honda CR-V, is registered to a person in Massachusetts who has the same last name as Dennis.

The driver of the Honda sustained significant injuries and State Police have not been able to positively identify the individual. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the person’s identity.

Three Easton residents — driver Steven P. Rowland, 65, and passengers Thomas L. Vitale, 80, and Olga Vitale, 81 — were the other three people killed in the Stratford crash. The accident is still under investigation. Police ask anyone with information to contact Connecticut State Police Troop G at 203-696-2500.

“Fairfield University was informed by the family of one of our beloved students, Alexander Dennis ’25, that he died in a tragic car accident early yesterday morning,” Jennifer Anderson, the university’s vice president for marketing and communications, said in a statement Patch, echoing Nemec’s comments. “As our university community mourns, we keep the Dennis family, friends and all those affected in our prayers during this difficult time. During this time of grief, members of our Jesuit community, our Counseling Services and the Office of Student Life offer our support.” Support for the Dennis family, friends and classmates.