HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A beloved disability advocate with blindness and his partner were killed after being hit Wednesday morning by a suspected speeding car in Hartford.

News 8 learned that two men were attempting to cross the street when they were hit at about 6:30 a.m. in the area of Blue Hills Avenue at Westminster Street.

Both pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Police identified the men as 36-year-old Corey L. Richmond, of New Haven, and 49-year-old Steve Famiglietti, of Hartford.

The driver, 30-year-old Billy Hamilton, of Vernon, was taken to the hospital for evaluation, where he remained Wednesday afternoon. He was later charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of reckless driving.

Lt. Aaron Boisvert called the scene “horrific.” While he said it was not a hit-and-run, he said speed was a factor in the fatal crash.

Steve Famiglietti was the Manager of Eleanor A. Brooks Blindness Support Center at the NEAT Center at Oak Hill School, an organization that works to empower those with disabilities.

The CEO of Oak Hill School, Barry Simon, said Famliglietti was a fixture of the Oak Hill community for nearly 20 years. Famiglietti helped to pioneer the school’s digital accessibility program and taught others how to use adaptive technology.

“Steve was a passionate advocate for accessibility and was ever the patient teacher while showing others how to make the world more inclusive for those with visual impairments,” Simon said.

He said Famiglietti was also a passionate storm chaser who enjoyed chasing tornadoes every year. He was even featured on News 8 with Co-Chief Meteorologist Joe Furey.

Photos of Steve Famiglietti (Images provided by Oak Hill School)

Simon said Famiglietti was frequently in the company of his service dogs, Joel and Elvis, who he loved dearly, and will be remembered for his courage, tenacity, and kindness.

“Oak Hill is eternally grateful for the impact Steve made on our organization and all the lives he changed for the better,” Simon said. “Steve’s absence will be sorely felt by all who knew him.”

To learn more about Oak Hill School you can click here.