At around 10:30 p.m. near Exit 27, an unidentified driver of a 1995 Honda Accord struck a metal beam guardrail in the left shoulder on the southbound side, according to police.
A 24-year-old New Britain man then ran across the highway to assist the motorist after he pulled over on the right shoulder, police said.
Giovanni Melendez was then hit by a 2002 Nissan Altima driven by Brandon Knoll, 25, of Springfield, MA, who then hit the Accord, police said.
Melendez was pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital at approximately 11:07 p.m.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin has not been notified as police said they are still working on positively identifying the driver.
Any witnesses of the crash are asked to call Trooper Anthony Fasulo at 860-534-1000, ext.6060
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