An Oakville man was hit by a car while trying to help other people after a crash on Interstate 84 in Southington and has died, according to state police.
Andy "Hamdi" Azab, 62, of Oakville, was on Interstate 84 West, near the exit 28 on-ramp around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, where he was crossing the road to help people in a vehicle that was stopped on the left side of the highway after a prior crash when he was hit by a Nissan Altima, state police said.
Officials said that the car the man was going to help fled the scene.
Azab was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, state police said.
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Police said Azab was crossing three lanes of the highway on foot in the pouring rain when he was struck.
The Nissan was towed from the scene.
Police said what happened was tragic and the driver who struck Azab provided a statement, helped at the scene with the investigation and there is no indication of any wrongdoing.
Through an attorney, Azab's family released a statement:
"Andy Azab was an amazing man whose family meant everything to him. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and son. At this time, the family asks that their privacy be respected as well as for your thoughts and prayers. Please tell those close to you how you feel and show your love every day and in every way to honor Andy's life and what he stood for."
State police are investigating and ask anyone with information or dashcam video that would help with the investigation is asked to call Trooper First Class John Wilson at 860-534-1098 or email john.wilson@ct.gov.
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