Shawn M. Schulze Obituary, Death: 49-Year-Old Colchester Man Dies After Being Struck by Car on Deep River Road

Shawn M. Schulze Obituary, Death – A tragic collision early Friday morning in Colchester, Connecticut, has claimed the life of a local resident. Connecticut State Police have confirmed that 49-year-old Shawn M. Schulze, of Colchester, was fatally struck by a car while walking along Deep River Road, also known as Route 354.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. near the intersection with Daniel Drive, in a dimly lit area with no pedestrian crosswalks or additional lighting, according to police. Schulze was reportedly walking in the westbound lane of the roadway when he was hit by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The impact of the collision threw him into the eastbound shoulder.

The vehicle involved in the crash was identified as a 2008 Honda Civic driven by a 57-year-old man from Oakdale. Authorities said the driver sustained only minor injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to Backus Hospital for treatment. Schulze was also taken to the same hospital, but despite first responders performing life-saving efforts at the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A preliminary report released by state police indicated that the area where the incident took place lacked streetlights or any form of auxiliary lighting, making visibility especially poor during the early morning hours. There were also no designated crosswalks in that part of the road, adding to the risks for pedestrians.

Emergency responders, including police and medical personnel, arrived quickly on the scene after the incident was reported. Upon their arrival, Schulze was found with serious injuries. First responders attempted emergency aid before rushing him to the hospital. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful.

State police closed a portion of the roadway near Jan Drive for several hours while crash reconstruction experts conducted a thorough investigation. The road has since been reopened to traffic, but the investigation remains ongoing.

As of now, no charges have been filed, and police have not released any further details regarding potential contributing factors, such as speed, weather conditions, or the pedestrian’s actions prior to the collision. Authorities also have not commented on whether the driver remained at the scene, but there has been no indication of a hit-and-run.

Pedestrian safety continues to be a growing concern across Connecticut, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas like Colchester, where infrastructure often lacks features such as sidewalks, street lighting, or pedestrian signals. The lack of visibility and designated pedestrian pathways has been cited in several previous accidents throughout the region.

While it’s unclear why Schulze was walking on the road at that time of night, authorities often encourage pedestrians to use reflective clothing or flashlights when traveling on roads at night, especially where lighting is limited. They also emphasize the importance of drivers maintaining heightened awareness during nighttime hours, particularly on roads without adequate lighting or where pedestrian traffic might be expected.

Shawn Schulze’s death has left a deep impact on the Colchester community, where residents are mourning the unexpected loss. Friends and neighbors are expressing condolences and calling for improvements to road safety in the area to help prevent future tragedies.

The Connecticut State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who might have relevant information is urged to contact investigators. Additional updates may be released as the investigation develops.

This fatal incident adds to a troubling trend of pedestrian deaths in the state, highlighting the need for ongoing safety improvements and increased public awareness for both motorists and pedestrians alike. For now, the community remembers Shawn M. Schulze and hopes that increased attention to this case will lead to changes that help protect others on Connecticut’s roadways.