‘Overwhelmingly sad’: Police probe continues into Fairfield crash that killed well-known community member
The crash happened just before 3 p.m. Friday in the 500 block of Redding Road. Police said an SUV hit the victim, Meghan Raveis, from behind as she was returning home from a walk.
Jun 26, 2023, 5:56 AM
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Fairfield police are continuing to investigate a pedestrian crash that killed a mother on her 45th birthday.
The crash happened just before 3 p.m. Friday in the 500 block of Redding Road. Police said an SUV hit the victim, Meghan Raveis, from behind as she was returning home from a walk.
"We believe that the pedestrian was walking southbound on Redding Road in the northbound lane, which is what a pedestrian should be doing when there's no sidewalks," Sgt. Evan Kaesmann said. "The evidence shows the vehicle crossed over the double-yellow line, striking a mailbox and then the pedestrian."
Kaesmann said the driver, a local woman, then came to a stop. He said the driver stayed on the scene, adding that there were several passengers in the car.
Police are now reconstructing the crash to determine why the driver crossed over the double-yellow line.
"There was no indication of impairment from drugs or alcohol," Kaesmann said. "We don't have anything definitive right now as far as speeds or the potential for distracted driving or any other contributing factors at this time."
Kaesmann said once the investigation concludes, it'll be determined whether charges will be filed.
"We don't want to jump to conclusions and potentially miss something that can add to charges or exonerate someone from potentially being charged," Kaesmann explained.
Raveis was the managing director of the William Raveis Charitable Fund. She leaves behind her husband, the co-president of William Raveis, and their three children.
The incident marks the second fatal pedestrian crash on Redding Road in recent years. Marileady Morel Araujo, 32, was killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking her dog on July 4, 2020.
"I think because a lot of the houses are set back, people don't realize it's a residential area, 25 mph zone," Kaesmann said. "Especially with the warmer months, obviously there's more people out walking and biking. Not just on Redding Road, we encourage people to be aware of their speed."
Police are asking anyone with information or surveillance video of Redding Road around the time of the crash to call 203-254-4800.
