This undated photo, obtained by Fox affiliate WTIC, shows 54-year-old Melissa Millan.
Authorities are hunting for the killer of a Connecticut mother and senior insurance executive who was stabbed to death while jogging, as mourners held a vigil Sunday to grieve the loss of their friend and co-worker.
Melissa Millan, a 54-year-old married mother of two and Mass Mutual senior vice president, was found lying in a road in Simsbury Thursday night with a stab wound to the chest. She was given CPR and taken to a hospital where she died, the Hartford Courant reported.
Millan, an avid runner and triathlete, was found by passing motorists lying on Iron Horse Boulevard in Simsbury around 8:04 p.m. Thursday, according to Simsbury police.
Authorities said her injuries were inconsistent with being hit by a car and later ruled her death a homicide, saying she died of a stab wound to the chest.
On Sunday, friends, family and co-workers gathered near where Millan was found to share memories of the popular Connecticut mother. Millan was described as a "pillar" among her friends with Team Training New England — the group she trained with for triathlons and other competitive races. The group said Millan, "made every effort to mentor 'newbie' triathletes and provide moral and other support to her team members year in and year out, without fail."
In a statement on its Facebook page, Mass Mutual, where Millan worked since 2001, said the company was, "deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Melissa's family during this difficult time. Melissa's tremendous leadership qualities, her business acumen and deeply caring nature will be missed by those who had the opportunity to work with her," the statement said.
Simsbury residents remain vigilant as investigators scour the popular running and biking path for any clues in Millan's death.
"The mood is somber and everybody has seemed to come together as a community to rally behind and find out what happened," Simsbury resident Kate Ruppar told Fox affiliate WTIC. "I think twice — I run every day and I want to make sure I’m safe and everybody else is. It’s really difficult."
Anyone in the area of Iron Horse Boulevard between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday is urged to contact Simsbury detectives at 860-658-3145.
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