A woman died in an accident with a police officer from New Haven out of service, police say

A reverse driver died as a result of a head-on collision on I-91 in New Haven, which had injured the driver of an impending pickup truck – a city officer on leave, police said. .

Katherine Gavidia, 27, of Hamden, died at the scene of the accident shortly before midnight on Thursday, police said.

The other driver was Thomas D. Murray, 29, who had just finished his service with the New Haven police, said New Haven officer David B. Hartman. He was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital for treatment.

Hartman stated that Murray was being treated for bilateral fractures consisting of two legs, broken ribs, pelvic fractures and other injuries.

According to state police, the accident occurred when Murray was driving north with his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado K 1500 LT between exits 7 and 8. At the same time, a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu MAXX LT directed south, led by Gavidia, was heading north in the north. tract.

Both vehicles collided. The two drivers were trapped in their crushed vehicles and had to be extirpated by firefighters, state police said.

Hartman testified that Gavidia was driving without her headlights on.

Although a preliminary state police report states that Murray has "an allegedly slight injury," Hartman said that his colleague's injuries were serious and that he remained in serious condition.

"This morning, Police officers and officials from the New Haven Department breathe a collective sigh of relief that a highly respected brother officer should recover, following an early morning accident that left him behind. seriously injured and tragically cost another driver's life, "Hartman wrote. in a press release.

Chief Anthony Campbell, who spent the night at the hospital with Murray's family, said, "The New Haven Police Department was saddened by learning of the serious injuries sustained by Officer Thomas Murray . Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go to him and his family during his recovery time. "

"We also wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of the woman killed in this tragic accident and pray for the comfort of all those affected by this sad event," said the chief.