Motorcyclist Dies After Crash In Cancer Fundraiser: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man tragically died from his injuries after he was ejected from his motorcycle while participating in a cancer fundraiser over the weekend, according to police. At about 10 a.m. on June 10, hundreds of motorcycles were leaving the Louis Astorino Ice Arena, located at 595 Mix Avenue, while participating in the annual “Don’s Hat Rack Motorcycle Rally,” an event that raises money for the Smilow Cancer Hospital, according to Capt. Ronald Smith. The event is held in memory of the late Donald Perotti, Smith said.

Smith said as riders were exciting the south exit of the parking lot, participant Paul Panaroni, 59, was ejected from his motorcycle. Medical personnel, which were stationed nearby, quickly rendered medical assistance, according to Smith.

Panaroni was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital and died from his injuries later in the evening and an autopsy was conducted on June 11, according to Smith.

Anyone with information, including videos of the crash, are asked to contact the Hamden Police Department Traffic Division at (203) 230-4036.

Officer Nicholas Lovett is conducting the investigation.