Vernon Crash Victim Remembered As Dedicated Soccer Coach

VERNON, CT — As police worked Wednesday to find the driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash, the victim was remembered as a popular youth soccer coach and respected member of the community.

"It was a sad night and it's a sad day today," Vernon Soccer Club President Keith Hodson said of the crash that killed his friend and colleague, 44-year-old Andrew Aggarwala. "It's tough to put into words right now. He was respected not only as a coach, but as a pillar of the community. Andrew often had the quietest voice, but the loudest message. When he talked, people listened."

It was one of those quiet moments that set the stage for tragedy. In trying to piece together what happened, police said on Tuesday, Aggarwala was out for a walk with his dog on Phoenix Street, a short distance away from his Vernon home, when he was apparently hit by a driver. A passerby found Aggarwala, but the driver was nowhere to be found, police said. Aggarwala was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators worked late into Tuesday night and picked things up again Wednesday morning. Vernon Police Department spokesman Lt. William Meier said several residents have submitted surveillance video from the area. He also said a piece of evidence was located at the scene.

"We do have several leads in the case," Meier said.

Aggarwala's family has politely requested privacy. Vernon Soccer Wednesday released a statement on behalf of the members and the family.

"The Vernon Soccer Club offers its heartfelt condolences to Andrew Aggarwala's family," Hodson said. "Andrew was well-loved among our club and will be missed. Andrew was a dedicated board member, coach, and friend to all who knew him. He was recognized with multiple awards for his volunteerism and community involvement. Andrew was to be the recipient of our 2020 Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to the town of Vernon and its youth. Our hearts break for his wife, kids, and entire family. Each of us who knew Andrew were truly blessed by his kind, warm, and genuine personality.”

Hodson said he was honored to give Aggarwala the soccer club's President's Award.

Aggarwala's children attend school in Vernon. School officials were offering counseling services to any who needed them.

Police said after the collision, Aggarwala's dog ran from the scene. Police, Vernon's animal control officer and residents have been trying to locate the dog. Hodson said the area is being scoured day and night.

Police released an image of the dog, a rescued mixed breed named Ollie.

Vernon police and the Metro Traffic Services Team seized a vehicle in what was termed Wednesday to be "a very active investigation."

Anyone with information on the crash is being urged to call Vernon police at 860-872-9126. Police are also looking for home security video from area from between 2:45 and 3 p.m. Anyone who sees Ollie is asked to contact Vernon police.

Aggarwala's friends issued a passionate plea for the driver to cooperate.

"Just come forward," longtime soccer club coach and officer Jesse Kristoff said. "Step up. Do the right thing."