Anne Rapkin Obituary, Death: 74-year-old woman killed in West Hartford vehicle collision: police.

Anne Rapkin Obituary, Death – A tragic accident on Thanksgiving Eve claimed the life of Anne Rapkin, a 74-year-old resident of West Hartford, Connecticut. According to the West Hartford Police Department (WHPD), Rapkin was struck by a vehicle at approximately 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of Sedgwick and Cornell roads.

Emergency responders, including the West Hartford Fire Department, arrived quickly and found Rapkin with severe injuries. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries later that evening. WHPD confirmed her death at 11:42 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle, an adult, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities during their investigation. Police closed off the area for several hours to conduct a thorough examination of the collision. However, they have not released further details about the incident as the investigation is ongoing.

Rapkin’s death is the latest in a series of pedestrian fatalities in West Hartford, underscoring a troubling pattern on local roadways. In 2024 alone, this marks the third fatal accident involving elderly pedestrians. On January 6, an 80-year-old man was fatally struck on Albany Avenue, and just earlier this month, on November 6, an 87-year-old woman lost her life at the intersection of Oakwood Avenue and Saint James Street.

These incidents follow a spate of deadly accidents in 2022, including five fatalities in December of that year. In response to the alarming trend, the town initiated a Vision Zero traffic safety program aimed at eliminating severe injuries and fatalities on West Hartford roads. The program was formally adopted by the Town Council on February 27, 2023. Despite these efforts, the recent tragedies highlight ongoing challenges in improving pedestrian and traffic safety.

The WHPD is asking anyone with information about Wednesday’s incident to come forward. Individuals can contact the department directly at 860-523-5203 or provide tips anonymously through the WHPD Tip Line at 860-570-8969 or via email at whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continued efforts to protect pedestrians, particularly vulnerable populations like the elderly. As the community mourns Rapkin’s loss, it also grapples with the broader issue of ensuring safe passage on its streets.