The Hartford mayor and city council's president released a joint statement on Friday confirming the death of a beloved city official.
"Earlier today, we learned that our Town and City Clerk, Noel McGregor, tragically passed away as a result of injuries sustained during a hit-and-run incident on October 22," Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and Hartford City Council President Shirley Surgeon said in a release.
On Oct. 22, troopers responded to Route 2 West in the area of Exit 17 in Colchester just before 7:20 p.m. on the report of a car versus pedestrian crash, according to Connecticut State Police.
Troopers said the 74-year-old Hartford man had parked his 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn pickup truck in the right shoulder and was standing next to the driver's side door when he was struck, state police said.
According to state police, McGregor was hit by a dark blue Jeep Cherokee between the model years of 2015 and 2023 that was heading west when it crossed over into the shoulder. The Jeep then took off from the scene, according to state police.
McGregor suffered life-threatening injuries. He was treated at the scene before being flown by LifeStar to Hartford Hospital, state police said. A passenger in the pickup truck, a 44-year-old West Hartford man, was not injured.
"The City of Hartford has suffered a great loss, and Noel's unwavering dedication to Hartford and its residents will carry on in the heart and soul of the Town and City Clerk's office," Arulampalam and Surgeon said. "Together, we express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and will honor his memory in spirit of public service."
State police are still searching for the Jeep driver. The vehicle is believed to have damage to its passenger side mirror and door handle.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Troop K in Colchester at 860-465-5400.