WATERBURY, Conn. — Along South Main Street in Waterbury, there tends to be a long line of cars lining the street. Some of them tractor-trailers. Family and Friends of a Waterbury man are remembering their loved one after he was killed when the car he was driving lost control striking one of them.
"What if the tractor-trailer wasn’t there? What if he just hit the guard rail and then anything else? What if," asked Kristi Ortiz.
Those questions swirl around Ortiz and the friends and family of Christopher Ortiz. Those Christopher loved most gathered at his favorite spot next to Lake Winnemaug in Watertown to watch the sunset like he had so many times before.
"He had a humongous heart," said Mirna Ortiz. "He cared for all of his friends. Especially persons with disabilities."
Chris had four younger brothers. Two of them have autism. His family says he always made sure that they were ok. His love for them even inspiring him to choose a career path working with Allied to help others with disabilities.
"It hasn’t really hit home yet," said Mirna.
The 31-year-old had lost control of his 2005 Nissan early Wednesday morning crossing into the southbound lane striking a parked tractor-trailer. He passed away not long after at the hospital from his injuries. The area was left a mess when the family arrived later that day. A bloody tarp used to cover his body left behind.
"To see that, I couldn’t get that memory out of my head," said Kristi.
Tractor Trailers are legally allowed to park on the state road. The accident raising questions if there is a better place for them to park to prevent further tragedy.
"Maybe we explore some options in other areas where they can park so that they don’t get in the way of other drivers especially late at night like that," said Sgt. Robert Davis of Waterbury Police.
The accident remains under investigation, but police believe speed may have been a factor.
Ortiz's family has set up a gofundme to help pay for Chris’s funeral costs. You can donate here.
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