Wallace Fauquet III and family.Photo: gofundme
A Connecticut father of four is being remembered for his “caring” and “charismatic” personality after he was killed in a fiery highway crash late last week.
Wallace Fauquet III, 42, of Stonington, Conn., died Friday after the commercial truck he was driving crashed into a sedan that came to a stop on the right acceleration lane on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge in Groton after one of its tires blew out, according to an accident summary from theConnecticut State Police(CSP).
Police said the truck was traveling southbound within the lane when it collided with the rear end of the stopped 2006 Toyota Avalon.
The commercial truck, which was carrying heating oil, rolled over as a result of the collision, according to police. A large fire began a short time later.
Wallace died of his injuries, the CSP said. The individuals in the Toyota sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
RELATED VIDEO: 56-Year-Old Climber, a Hiking ‘Legend’- Who Summited Mt. Everest 10 Times, Dies on Mountain in Nepal
Rosemary O’Lone, Elaine’s aunt, toldABC affiliate WTNHthat her niece’s husband was working overtime before going on a weekend camping trip and described Wallace as a kind man.
“He made it his priority to lend a helping hand,” O’Lone said. “He would always stop when he came across a broken-down vehicle. He was a selfless, get-it-done kind of guy.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Several others were injured in the crash, CSP Sergeant Christine Jeltema said at apress conferenceon Friday.
An investigation into Friday’s crash is ongoing, according to state police.
About 2,200 gallons of fuel spilled from the tractor trailer during the “tragic accident,” Governor Ned Lamont said at Friday’s press conference.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) worked to contain the fuel oil that leaked into the Thames River, which travels underneath the bridge, he added.
Wallace worked for McCarthy Heating Oil Service, according to WTNH. “Wally will be greatly missed,” read a company statement to the outlet. “Our love and prayers go out to his lovely wife, Elaine and children. May he rest in peace.”
source: people.com
