A tragic accident claimed the life of 36-year-old Juan Cruz on Wednesday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of East Main Street and Paddock Avenue.
The incident occurred around 3:40 p.m., according to the Meriden Police Department. Emergency crews, including the Meriden Fire Department and Hunters Ambulance, responded swiftly after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the crash.
Upon arrival, officers found Cruz unresponsive in the roadway. Despite immediate life-saving measures, he was transported to the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the pickup truck, identified as a black Toyota Tacoma, was also taken to the hospital for treatment. The exact extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Juan Cruz Obituary
According to preliminary investigations, the Toyota Tacoma was traveling west on East Main Street and was preparing to make a left turn onto Paddock Avenue. Cruz, riding an orange Honda CBR600 motorcycle, was heading east on East Main Street at a high speed, witnesses reported, when the collision occurred.
The Meriden Police Department’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage of the crash to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Meriden Police Department at 203-630-6201.
This heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with high-speed travel and the importance of road safety. The community mourns the loss of Juan Cruz and extends its condolences to his family and friends.