ID Released In Groton Fatal Crash: Police

GROTON, CT — The driver who died in a crash in Groton on Wednesday has been identified. Town of Groton police said Vanessa Pettengill, 45, of Norwich, was killed in the accident.

Emergency dispatch received calls at 1:22 p.m. reporting a single-car accident on Fort Hill Road between Depot Road and South Road.

Police arrived at the scene of the crash and found that a 2006 Subaru Legacy Outback that had been traveling eastbound hit a utility pole on the south side of Fort Hill Road.

Police found the car's driver unconscious with serious injuries. Other emergency responders arrived to provide medical aid and assist the driver, who was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

Hospital personnel declared Pettengill dead.

The Southeastern Connecticut Regional Traffic Unit is assisting in the investigation. The accident reconstruction team includes officers from several area police departments.

Fort Hill Road between Depot Road and South Road was closed for investigation but has since reopened.

If anyone witnessed this crash or has other information, call the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.