WEST HARTFORD, Connecticut — The 28-year-old truck driver killed during a road rage incident on Interstate 84 earlier this month had been planning to leave Philadelphia in hopes of escaping the violence that surrounded his daily life, according to his family.

Connecticut State Police say troopers responded around 3:15 p.m. on December 9 to I-84 East near Exit 44 after reports of a road rage confrontation involving a tractor-trailer traveling in the right lane and a box truck in the center lane. Investigators identified the tractor-trailer driver as Haneef McKnight of Philadelphia.

Police said that during congested traffic, McKnight exited his tractor-trailer, ran across multiple lanes of traffic, and climbed onto the box truck. A disturbance followed, and at some point during the altercation, McKnight was struck and run over by the box truck while on the highway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

McKnight’s brother, Andre Lewis, told reporters that Haneef had been actively making plans to move away from Philadelphia because of ongoing violence in the city. Family members gathered Monday to lay him to rest, describing him as a loving son, brother, and passionate music lover whose life was cut tragically short.

In a GoFundMe post created by his mother, Shakeasha, the family shared that McKnight’s smile and love for music touched everyone around him. The fundraiser is seeking assistance to help cover funeral and memorial expenses as loved ones come together to honor his memory.

State police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are asking anyone who witnessed the events or has dash camera or cellphone footage to contact Detective Timothy Nohelty at 860-706-5632 or timothy.nohelty@ct.gov, according to Connecticut State Police.

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