Dad Killed While Helping Wife With Car Trouble in Southington

A Southington dad and football coach was killed and his wife is in critical condition after they were struck by a car while trying to fix a problem with their own vehicle over the weekend, according to police.

Garrett Costello was hit by a car just before 3 p.m. Saturday while trying to help his wife, whose Dodge Caliber got stuck on the ice at the top of a hill on Laning Street in Southington, less than half a mile from their home.

"Mom called and he ran, and unfortunately, in helping, he died," the couple's son, Garrett Costello, Jr., recalled. "He was a guy who didn't care what the storm looked like. 'I'm going out to help.'"

While Garrett Costello, a well-known football coach at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, was trying to help his wife, the driver of a Honda Civic lost control and crossed the double yellow line, hitting Costello and slamming into his wife's car.

"I saw it with my own eyes. He opened the door; he grabbed her hand so she wouldn't fall," the younger Costello explained. He said that was the moment his parents were struck.

Police said the driver of the 2010 Honda Civic that hit them lost control and hit Costello, who was standing next to his wife's car on the right shoulder of Laning Street, then struck the Dodge and rear-ended a Ford Fusion driving westbound.

Cindy Costello, Garrett's wife, who was driving the Dodge, was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment of serious leg injuries. Police said she was in critical condition after the crash.

"She broke all of her ribs. She broke her leg in three or four places," Garrett Costello, Jr. said, adding that his mother, a full-time volunteer at the Calendar House Senior Center, is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery.

"But mentally, it's going to be hard," he said. "They were together for 35 years. They were best friends."

Police said the drivers of the other two cars were not hurt. No charges have been filed. Right now, Garrett Costello, Jr. is trying to figure out how to pay for his father's funeral.

"You need to know when it's icy and when to slow down," he warned.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Tom Atterrato by phone at 860-621-0101 or email.

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