Investigators identified the light-colored vehicle through security footage as they examine the death of 43-year-old Todd Atkins on Route 15.
WOODBRIDGE, CT — Connecticut State Police are searching for a light-colored SUV that may be connected to the death of a 43-year-old driver whose vehicle was struck by an object near an overpass on Route 15 in Woodbridge, authorities said Thursday.
Todd Atkins, of Waterbury, was driving south on Route 15, also known as the Wilbur Cross Parkway, at about 5:30 a.m. Oct. 31 when an object apparently struck his vehicle near the Racebrook Road, or Route 114, overpass, according to state police. Atkins suffered serious injuries and was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators have not announced an arrest or publicly identified a suspect.
State police said their preliminary investigation indicates the object may have been dropped from the overpass. Detectives reviewing security-camera footage identified a possible suspect vehicle, described Thursday as a light-colored SUV, and are working to identify and contact a person of interest. Police have not released an image of the SUV, saying the investigation remains active.
The exact circumstances surrounding the object remain under investigation. Atkins’ family has said an object appeared to have been thrown from the bridge and passed through his windshield. State police earlier declined to confirm all details of the family’s account, though authorities have said their preliminary findings indicate an object may have been dropped from the overpass. Police have not publicly identified the object or said whether investigators believe Atkins was deliberately targeted.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Atkins died from blunt force trauma to the torso. The manner of death had not been determined in the information released publicly. That distinction leaves unanswered whether the death will ultimately be classified as an accident, homicide or another manner as investigators continue examining the circumstances.
The investigation is being handled with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad and the Central District Major Crime Squad. Detectives have focused on Route 15 and the Racebrook Road overpass, seeking additional video and information from people who were in the area around the time Atkins was injured.
Police initially responded to the incident as a reported motor vehicle crash. Troopers found Atkins seriously injured in his vehicle, and the investigation later broadened as authorities examined how he had been hurt. Route 15 and Racebrook Road were closed for hours Saturday while investigators worked at the scene.
Atkins’ family described him as caring, intelligent and devoted to relatives and friends. The family said he loved the outdoors and enjoyed driving, and that his interest in outdoor activities began during his years in the Boy Scouts, where he became an Eagle Scout. He was born in Waterbury and later attended Penn State University and Western Connecticut State University, according to family accounts reported by Connecticut news organizations.
The family said Atkins had done nothing to cause the incident and was simply traveling through the area that morning. In a statement, relatives said his time with them was “far too short” and remembered the help and kindness he showed other people. The family has appealed for information that could help investigators determine what happened.
State police are continuing to seek witnesses and dashboard-camera footage from anyone who traveled on Route 15 near the Racebrook Road overpass or was on Route 114 around 5:30 a.m. Oct. 31. Investigators have not announced charges, identified the occupants of the light-colored SUV or disclosed a motive. The death remains under investigation.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 5, 2026.