Off-duty Stoughton nurse, 34, struck and killed while trying to help victim of crash along I-95 in Rhode Island

A 34-year-old off-duty nurse from Stoughton was struck and killed by a driver allegedly under the influence of drugs or alcohol early Sunday morning after she had pulled over alongside I-95 northbound in Rhode Island to help the victim of a rollover crash, according to Rhode Island State Police.Jennifer Toscano was pronounced dead at the scene near Exit 30 in Pawtucket after state troopers responded to the area around 1:44 a.m., police said in a news release.Soon after the crash, Rhode Island authorities caught up with the red vehicle believed to have struck Toscano, they said. Luis Baez, 22, of Jamaica Plain, is being charged with driving under the influence of liquor or drugs resulting in death, driving as to endanger resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, and operating with a suspended license, first offense.Toscano leaves behind a son, who also recently lost his father, a family friend told WHDH.“They just want everyone to know how much of a selfless person she was,” a statement released on behalf of Toscano’s family to the news station said. “How much of an amazing daughter, sister, mother and friend she was. Her son is left without his mother and best friend.”The incident involving Toscano was one of three fatalities within 20 minutes along I-95 Sunday morning, according to state police.“Alcohol, excessive speed and reckless driving appear to be factors in these incidents and as a result, three families have lost loved ones,” Col. James M. Manni, superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, said in the release. “Last night’s tragic death of a Good Samaritan — truly the first responder at the scene of a crash — is a horrifying reminder that we have a shared responsibility to make our roads safe.”

#NEW: A family friend confirms this is the woman killed Sunday morning after being hit by a car on 95 in Pawtucket, RI. Jennifer Toscano’s family says she leaves behind a young son, who also lost his father a few months ago.

A message from Toscano’s family tonight on @7News. pic.twitter.com/cjrfFmPhsg

— Caroline Goggin (@CarolineGoggin) November 2, 2020