49-Year-Old Waterbury Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash on Route 34 in New Haven

NEW HAVEN — A 49-year-old man from Waterbury was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Route 34 Friday night, state police reported. The victim, identified as Noel E. Gonzalez, was involved in a collision with another motorcycle as both riders approached the intersection of Route 34 (Derby Avenue) and South Orange Street. The accident occurred at approximately 11:09 p.m.

According to authorities, Gonzalez’s motorcycle struck the rear of a motorcycle driven by a man from New Haven. The impact caused both riders to be ejected from their motorcycles, sending them sliding across the pavement. They eventually struck a raised traffic island in the roadway. Emergency responders rushed Gonzalez to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead due to the severity of his injuries.

The other rider, whose name has not yet been released, suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash, police said. He was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital for further care. Fortunately, his injuries did not appear to be critical, and he is expected to recover.

In addition to the damage caused to the motorcycles, the crash also damaged two traffic control signals at the intersection. Police are investigating the cause of the collision, but no information has been released regarding whether speed, impairment, or other factors may have contributed to the accident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to gather more details.

State police are asking for help from the public to assist in the investigation. They are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has any information about the events leading up to the collision to contact Connecticut State Police Troop G at 203-696-2500. Witness accounts could be critical in helping police understand how the accident unfolded.

The tragic death of Gonzalez has left both his family and the Waterbury and New Haven communities in mourning. This incident also highlights the dangers motorcyclists face on busy roads like Route 34, especially at night. As police continue to investigate the crash, the hope is that greater awareness of road safety for motorcyclists can prevent future accidents from occurring. Further updates may be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.