NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Nearly a year after a tragic hit-and-run, the family of victim Nader Elias Hanania is still grappling with their loss after authorities charged 41-year-old Shawn Hopkinson of Branford earlier this month.
According to New Haven police, Hopkinson was driving at 62 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone just before the fatal crash. He ran a red light at the intersection of College Street and MLK Boulevard and struck Hanania’s car. Hanania, 64, known as Nick, was rushed to the hospital but later died, leaving behind a wife and two children.
Hanania was working as a medical courier when the accident occurred. His family expressed deep gratitude to investigators while remembering him as a devoted father and close friend. “Losing Nick has left a hole that can never be filled,” said his wife, Samahar Hanania. “It changed the lives of his children in a way we are still struggling to understand.”
Witnesses told police that Hopkinson allegedly challenged them to a race before the crash, but they declined. After the collision, Hopkinson fled the scene.
Hopkinson now faces several serious charges, including first-degree manslaughter, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, illegal highway racing, and evading responsibility resulting in injury or death. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.
