Driver in fatal Conn. truck crash ID’d as Kansas man hauling equipment for singer Underwood

Underwood driver ID’d as Conn. truck crash victim

STONINGTON, Conn. — A truck driver killed in a fiery crash on a Connecticut highway has been identified as a Kansas man hauling concert equipment for singer Carrie Underwood.

Connecticut State Police say 48-year-old Robert Allen O’Bleness (Oh-BLEH’-nes) of Wichita died in the March 20 crash in Stonington. His tractor-trailer went off Interstate 95 and down an embankment. The vehicle caught fire when its fuel tanks ruptured.

The man’s identity was released Friday after being confirmed through dental records.

O’Bleness was hauling staging equipment to Foxwoods Casino’s MGM Grand Theater for a concert that night by Carrie Underwood. The singer mentioned his death during her performance and sang her song “Temporary Home” in tribute.