Thea Digiammerino

Police Speak With Person of Interest in Crash That Killed Pedestrian in North Stonington

A 26-year-old Pawcatuck woman has died after a hit-and-run crash in North Stonington Tuesday night, according to Connecticut State Police, and they said they have interviewed a person of interest.

Police said a vehicle traveling on Norwich-Westerly Road (Route 2) near the rotary with Route 184 shortly before 7 p.m. went off the road and hit a pedestrian, later identified as 26-year-old Krystal Riske, of Pawcatuck.

Riske suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Hartford Hospital in critical condition. She died early Wednesday morning.

There was a man present at the time of the accident, according to State Police. They do not have a report of him being injured. A friend said it was Riske’s boyfriend.

Police said the suspect vehicle, possibly a gray or dark-colored, mid-size SUV, fled the scene. The vehicle sustained passenger side damage to the quarter panel and the headlight. It's also missing the passenger side mirror.

Police said Thursday that they have spoken with a person of interest and detectives have been in consultation with the office of the state's attorney.  

“I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. To even see that I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy,” said Riske’s sister, Nicole.

People make mistakes, but to leave a woman on the side of the road after crashing into her and then keep driving is unfathomable, Nicole Riske said.

“I don’t think anything goes through your heart. I think it just stops,” mom Rhandi Riske said.

Riske sustained a fractured skull, had facial bones shattered, a swollen brain which lacked oxygen and fractures down her spine.

“She was surrounded by family. So much love. I hope she knows that,” Nicole Riske said while holding back tears. Family and family friends were at the hospital during the last moments of Krystal’s life.

Family describes Riske as a big personality, someone who is fiercely loyal and could make them laugh. She loved to sing and dance.

Riske was a graduate of Grasso Technical High School. She took classes at Three Rivers Community College and was currently employed at Petro Gas, formerly known as Spicer Marketplace.

“She had a heart of gold. She’d help anybody out,” Rhandi Riske said.

“She’s been one of my best friends for as long as I can remember. She’s been with me through my marriage, my divorce, my child. She’s Auntie Letter because my son couldn’t say Auntie Krystal so we dropped it down to Auntie K and ‘K’ is a letter,” said childhood friend Madolyn Coombe, who was with Riske’s family.

Family and friends are pleading for the driver responsible for this to come forward. They’re hoping for justice for Riske.

“Nothing can bring her back. Because that’s all I’ve been asking for,” Rhandi Riske said. “Someone to take ownership,” Nicole added.

Police are continuing to investigate several leads.

Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to call police at 860-848-6500.

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