A 43-year-old New Hampshire woman who was riding on the back of a motorcycle was killed in a serious crash that shut down Interstate 84 eastbound in West Hartford for several hours on Thursday, according to state police.
Police have identified the woman killed as Brenda Goodwin, of Atkinson, New Hampshire.
State police said traffic came to an abrupt stop just before 4 p.m. and the motorcycle, driven by Mark Goodwin, 46, of Atkinson, New Hampshire, hit the side of a Toyota Corolla and a different Toyota Corolla hit Brenda Goodwin.
Mark and Brenda Goodwin were transported to St. Francis Hospital, where Brenda was pronounced dead, according to state police.
Mark Goodwin's injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, according to a news release from state police.
All eastbound lanes were closed at exit 44 in West Hartford until around 7 p.m. Traffic was gridlocked during rush hour and the westbound side was also moving slowly through the area.
Police are investigating to determine why the driver may have left the scene.
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No charges have been filed. Witnesses are asked to call 860-534-1000.
This was the second fatal crash in the area in a little over two days and some state lawmakers are looking into what can be done to make the highway safer.
