Authorities have identified the woman who tragically lost her life in a single-vehicle crash in Groton, Connecticut, on Wednesday afternoon. The victim, 45-year-old Vanessa Pettengill from Norwich, was involved in a fatal accident on Fort Hill Road that prompted an immediate emergency response.
The Town of Groton Police Department reported that dispatchers began receiving 911 calls at approximately 1:22 p.m. on April 24, 2025, alerting them to a serious crash involving a single vehicle.
The location of the crash was determined to be on Fort Hill Road, between Depot Road and South Road. Responding officers arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and found a 2006 Subaru Legacy Outback that had crashed into a utility pole on the south side of the road.
Upon arriving, officers discovered Pettengill, the sole occupant of the vehicle, unconscious and suffering from critical injuries. Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived and began providing treatment at the scene. Pettengill was then transported by ambulance to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London in hopes of receiving further lifesaving care.
Despite the best efforts of first responders and hospital staff, Pettengill was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Her passing has left her community, friends, and loved ones in mourning. No other passengers were involved in the crash, and no other vehicles were affected.
Local authorities closed Fort Hill Road in the area of the accident to conduct an on-site investigation. Police and traffic investigators worked to assess the scene, document evidence, and determine the cause of the crash. The road was closed for several hours before normal traffic resumed.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. The Southeastern Connecticut Regional Traffic Unit is assisting in the inquiry, with an accident reconstruction team made up of officers from several nearby departments examining all elements of the crash, including road conditions, vehicle speed, mechanical function, and potential driver impairment.
At this point, police have not released information on what may have caused Pettengill to lose control of her vehicle or whether any external factors contributed to the accident. Investigators are continuing to review evidence from the scene, interview possible witnesses, and gather information that could shed light on the circumstances leading to the crash.
The Groton Police Department is also seeking assistance from the public. They encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information related to the investigation to come forward. Individuals with tips are asked to contact the department at 860-441-6712.
The sudden and tragic loss of Vanessa Pettengill has deeply impacted her community. At just 45 years old, her life was taken far too soon, and those who knew her are left grieving her unexpected passing. Family, friends, and neighbors are remembering the life she lived and the love she brought to their lives.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks we face while driving, even on familiar roads and under seemingly normal conditions. Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the importance of safe driving practices, such as obeying speed limits, reducing distractions, and staying alert behind the wheel at all times.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances of the crash. Authorities remain focused on conducting a thorough investigation to uncover what went wrong and bring closure to Pettengill’s loved ones.
In the meantime, the Groton Police Department and regional investigators are committed to ensuring a full understanding of the events that led to this tragic crash. Their findings will not only provide answers to Pettengill’s family but may also inform future safety measures that could help prevent similar tragedies on Connecticut’s roads.
Until the investigation concludes, community members are urged to exercise caution while driving, particularly on local roads like Fort Hill Road, where accidents can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
