Tragic Accident on Merritt Parkway Claims Life of Florida Man
NEW CANAAN — An unfortunate accident on the Merritt Parkway resulted in the death of an elderly man from Florida. Frank Lawrence Brantner, 85 years old and a resident of St. Petersburg, passed away following a multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place on Route 15 northbound near Exit 36 at approximately 3 p.m. According to reports from the Connecticut State Police, Brantner was driving a 2015 Lexus RC 350 when he collided with a 2020 Kia Forte that had slowed down in front of him. This initial crash led to a chain reaction where the Kia struck a 2015 Ford F-150 pickup truck ahead of it, as well as a 2017 GMC Sierra traveling in the left lane.
Emergency Response
Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders found Brantner unresponsive. He was quickly transported to Norwalk Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The driver of the Kia, a 38-year-old man from Norwalk, reported experiencing minor injuries and was also taken to Norwalk Hospital for further evaluation. Meanwhile, the other two drivers involved, a 35-year-old man from Wilton driving the pickup truck and a 19-year-old man from Gales Ferry in the GMC, were unharmed.
Ongoing Investigation
Connecticut State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. As part of their investigation, authorities are looking for any witnesses who may have additional information regarding the accident. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Trooper Nicanor Cardenas at 203-696-2500.
Impact on the Community
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving, especially as road conditions and driver attentiveness can significantly impact safety. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of caution while behind the wheel, urging drivers to maintain safe distances and stay alert to changes in traffic.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Brantner, whose life was cut short by this unfortunate event. The family and friends of the victims are also affected, reflecting the wider impact of road accidents on those involved.
Overall, this incident highlights the ongoing need for awareness and accountability on the roads. Connecticut State Police encourage the public to always prioritize safety, whether driving or commuting as a passenger.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
