Fairfield University student among four dead in wrong-way crash on Merritt Parkway in Stratford

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Fairfield University student was among four people killed in a wrong-way crash early Thursday morning in Stratford.

According to Fairfield University, Alexander Dennis, a member of the class of 2025, had just completed his junior year and was on his way home to Massachusetts at the time of the crash.

The university said Dennis is a student in the College of Arts and Sciences pursuing a visual and performing arts major with a particular interest in film.

“At a time of year when we are actively committed to celebrating our students and their achievements, a loss like this seems unimaginable,” said 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. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can also be a helpful resource for employees during this time.”

University leaders said the campus community will celebrate Dennis’ life when students return to campus in the fall.

The accident occurred around 1:45 a.m. Thursday on Merritt Parkway in Stratford. State Police said the vehicle Dennis was driving was traveling the wrong way on Route 15 South when it struck a car with three people inside.

State police identified the three people in the other car as Steven Rowland, 65, Thomas Lucian Vitale, 80, and Olga Vitale, 81. The three were all from Easton.

All four people were pronounced dead at the scene.