I-91 Wrong-Way Crash: University of New Haven Student Ryan O’Shea, 21, Killed in Multi-Vehicle Collision
NORTH HAVEN, Connecticut — October 23, 2026 — The University of New Haven community is mourning the death of Ryan O’Shea, a 21-year-old student who was killed in a multi-vehicle collision involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 91 in North Haven late Friday, October 16.
According to Connecticut State Police and university officials, the crash occurred around 11:45 p.m. on southbound I-91 near Exit 9. O’Shea, who was driving a Honda Accord, was struck head-on by a pickup truck traveling north in the southbound lanes. His vehicle was subsequently hit by two sport utility vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pickup truck’s driver sustained serious, potentially life-threatening injuries and was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital. Two occupants of one SUV and the driver of the other SUV were also taken to hospitals with injuries described by police as minor.
Connecticut State Police investigators, including the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad, responded to the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have asked potential witnesses to come forward with information or dashcam footage.
O’Shea was a member of the University of New Haven’s Class of 2027, majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in police sciences. He had completed an internship with the New York City Police Department and hoped to pursue a career in law enforcement after graduation.
He also served as a senior captain of the university’s men’s club ice hockey team. University officials, teammates and academic advisers remembered him as an enthusiastic sports fan, a dedicated student and a young man committed to public service.
The university has made counseling resources available to students and members of the campus community affected by his death.
The circumstances that allowed the pickup truck to enter the interstate traveling in the wrong direction have not been fully established publicly. Investigators are continuing to examine the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact Connecticut State Police Trooper Patrick Miko at 203-393-4200 or Patrick.Miko@ct.gov.
O’Shea’s death has left his family, friends, teammates and university community grieving a young man whose future plans centered on service and helping others. His university has paid tribute to his contributions in the classroom and on the ice while offering support to those struggling with the loss.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on remembering O’Shea and establishing the full circumstances of the fatal collision.