Ryan O’Shea, a 21-year-old University of New Haven senior and captain of the men’s club hockey team, was killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 91 in North Haven, Connecticut. The collision occurred late October 16 as O’Shea was returning from a hockey game. Authorities said the pickup truck that struck his Honda Accord was driven by Guillermo Carmona-Lopez, a Mexican national who had previously been removed from the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The crash remains under investigation.
| 1) | Fatal Interstate 91 collision |
| 2) | Investigation into the wrong-way driver |
| 3) | O’Shea’s studies and public-service ambitions |
| 4) | Tributes from university and fraternity communities |
| 5) | Federal account of prior removals |
Fatal Interstate 91 collision
Connecticut State Police said O’Shea was driving south on Interstate 91 in North Haven late October 16 when a Chevrolet Silverado traveling in the wrong direction struck his Honda Accord head-on. The impact pushed O’Shea’s vehicle into another lane, where it was hit by a Jeep. The Honda then moved onto the right shoulder and was struck by a third vehicle.
O’Shea suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Carmona-Lopez was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Three other people sustained minor injuries. The crash occurred as O’Shea was traveling home from a hockey game.
Investigation into the wrong-way driver
The state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation. The accident summary identified Carmona-Lopez, 31, of Bridgeport, as the driver of the Silverado. Authorities have not completed the investigation, and the available account does not state what caused the truck to travel against traffic.
The multi-vehicle collision highlights the severe consequences of wrong-way driving on a major interstate. Officials have not announced all potential charges or provided additional findings about the circumstances immediately before the crash.
O’Shea’s studies and public-service ambitions
O’Shea was from Stony Point, New York, and was completing his senior year at the University of New Haven. He studied criminal justice with a concentration in police science and served as senior captain of the university’s men’s club hockey team.
During the summer, O’Shea interned with the New York City Police Department. The university said he planned to seek a position with the NYPD after graduation and eventually pursue a career with the Drug Enforcement Administration. His academic and professional goals centered on public service and helping others.
“Ryan wanted to go into public service in order to help others,” academic adviser Lorenzo Boyd said in a university tribute.
Tributes from university and fraternity communities
O’Shea’s death prompted tributes from classmates, teammates, university officials and members of his fraternity. Devin Bertrand, general manager of the men’s ice hockey club, described O’Shea’s personality as a force that energized the locker room.
“His infectious personality lit up our locker room the moment he walked in,” Bertrand said.
O’Shea also served as president of his Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter. The organization remembered him as a leader and a friend who made people laugh and brought energy to those around him.
“Ryan was not only a great leader, but he was a caring friend to anyone around him,” the fraternity said in a tribute.
Federal account of prior removals
The Department of Homeland Security said Carmona-Lopez first entered the United States illegally and was arrested by Border Patrol in May 2013. According to the department, he received expedited removal and was sent out of the country. DHS said he later reentered near the Rio Grande Valley and was arrested by Border Patrol again that same month.
DHS said Carmona-Lopez received a final order of removal on May 30, 2013, and later reentered the country at an unknown time and place. The federal agency provided that history while the state investigation into the October crash continued. The available information does not detail when or how he most recently entered the country.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan O’Shea died in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 91 in North Haven on October 16. |
| 2 | The collision involved a Silverado driven by Guillermo Carmona-Lopez and two other vehicles. |
| 3 | O’Shea was studying police science, captaining a hockey team and pursuing an NYPD career. |
| 4 | Three other people suffered minor injuries, while Carmona-Lopez sustained life-threatening injuries. |
Summary
The fatal North Haven crash ended the life of a college student who was preparing for a career in law enforcement and was a leader on his hockey team. State police are continuing to examine the wrong-way collision, while federal officials have described the other driver’s prior removals and reentries into the United States. O’Shea’s university, teammates and fraternity have remembered him for his leadership, service ambitions and personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ryan O’Shea?
O’Shea was a 21-year-old University of New Haven senior from Stony Point, New York, a criminal justice student, hockey captain and aspiring NYPD officer.
When and where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred late October 16 on Interstate 91 in North Haven, Connecticut, as O’Shea was returning from a hockey game.
What is known about the investigation?
Connecticut State Police’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad is assisting with the investigation. Officials have not released all findings or potential charges.
