Young Crash Victim Dies

An 8-year-old boy has died after being struck while riding his bike in East Hartford just before 11:30 p.m. on Thursday.  

He was struck in the 100 block of Plain Drive at 11:24 p.m., according to East Hartford police.

The boy has been identifed as Elijah Montalvan, according to family members.  He was on life support at Connecticut Children's Medical Center Friday afternoon.

"I find out it was him and I was speechless," Teyo Torres, the boy's stepfather, said. "Heartbroken right now, I can't believe it."

Torres said the boy's mother was by his side all day Friday at the hospital.

"She wants no one in the room with him, that's how bad she's feeling right now," Torres said.

The driver, Paul Gronda, 52, was charged with operating with a suspended driver’s license.

Police said he was not drinking at the time of the accident.

There could be additional charges.

The East Hartford Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating.
 

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