Todd Atkins, an Eagle Scout who loved the outdoors and helping others, died after an object struck his vehicle on Route 15.
WATERBURY, Conn. — As Connecticut State Police search for answers in the death of Todd Atkins on the Wilbur Cross Parkway, his family is remembering the 43-year-old Waterbury man as an outdoorsman, devoted son and dependable friend who regularly stepped in when others needed help.
Atkins died after an incident around 5:30 a.m. Oct. 31 on southbound Route 15 in Woodbridge near the Racebrook Road, or Route 114, overpass. State police said a preliminary investigation indicated that his vehicle may have been struck by an object that appeared to have been dropped from the overpass. Atkins was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital and pronounced dead. Investigators have since identified a light-colored SUV that may be connected to the case and are trying to identify people associated with it.
While police work to establish what happened on the highway, Atkins’ relatives have described a life centered on family, learning and helping other people. His family said he grew up in Waterbury, served as an altar boy and became an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. His love of the outdoors continued into adulthood through hiking, camping and time spent around the water.
Atkins graduated from Kennedy High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Penn State University and a master’s degree in education from Western Connecticut State University, according to his obituary. His family described him as intellectually curious, someone who enjoyed books, movies, food and long conversations about philosophy while also being willing to handle practical problems for the people around him.
His family said Atkins was particularly close to his parents and his sister, Dana Pietruszkiewicz. He helped his parents with work around their home, fixed things and spent time with them during family movie nights. Relatives also remembered him as someone who would respond when friends, family members or even people he barely knew needed help, including during difficult moments.
The circumstances of his death remain under investigation. Atkins’ family has said an object went through his windshield after apparently being thrown from the Racebrook Road overpass. State police have not gone as far in their public description, saying the object appeared to have been dropped from the overpass. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Atkins died from blunt force trauma to the torso, but the manner of death had not been determined in the latest available reporting.
Detectives reviewing security camera footage from the area identified a possible suspect vehicle, later described by state police as a light-colored SUV. Investigators are working to identify and contact a person or people of interest. Police have not publicly released an image of the SUV or identified anyone as a suspect, and no arrest has been announced.
The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad and the Central District Major Crime Squad are assisting with the case. Investigators have been seeking additional footage from Route 15, Route 114 and the overpass around the time of the incident. Police have also asked drivers who had dashboard cameras operating in the area to provide footage even if they do not believe they directly recorded what happened.
A memorial gathering for Atkins is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Waterbury, followed by a memorial service. His burial is expected to be private, according to his obituary. His family has requested charitable donations in his memory instead of flowers.
As Atkins’ relatives prepare to honor his life, the investigation into how he died remains unresolved. As of Nov. 8, state police had not announced an arrest and continued working to identify the light-colored SUV and people who may have information about what happened near the Woodbridge overpass.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 8, 2026.