Dustin Tanta-Quidgeon Obituary, GROTON Accident Update — Dustin Tanta-Quidgeon, a 39-year-old man from Uncasville, Connecticut, was killed late Friday night after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on Toll Gate Road in Groton, authorities said.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, near Crawford Lane. Groton Emergency Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The vehicle involved reportedly fled the scene before police arrived.
When Groton police officers reached the area, they found Tanta-Quidgeon lying in the roadway while emergency responders were providing medical assistance. A witness who was also an emergency medical technician was already at the scene performing CPR.
Additional emergency crews, including personnel from the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Sub Base Fire Department, Groton Ambulance Association and L&M Hospital Paramedics, responded to the scene and continued advanced lifesaving efforts. Despite the extensive attempts to revive him, Tanta-Quidgeon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later identified the victim as Dustin Tanta-Quidgeon, 39, of Uncasville. His next of kin was notified, while the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene and took custody of his remains.
Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle that struck Tanta-Quidgeon was a black SUV. The driver did not remain at the scene and fled following the collision. Police have not released further identifying information about the vehicle or its operator.
The Southeastern Connecticut Regional Traffic Unit responded to assist with the investigation and accident reconstruction. The reconstruction team included officers from the Groton Police Department and Ledyard Police Department, while detectives from the Groton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division also assisted with the investigation.
Toll Gate Road was temporarily closed to motor vehicle traffic as officers processed the crash scene and gathered evidence. Groton police said investigators are actively pursuing leads to identify the vehicle and its operator, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, saw a black SUV in the area around the time of the incident, or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712. Authorities said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
