Mashantucket Man Charged In Fatal Dirt Bike Crash: Police

LEDYARD, CT — A man has been arrested in connection to a dirt bike crash that led to a woman's death in August in Groton, according to police. Scott Whipple, 24, of Mashantucket, turned himself in to Groton police Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

Tiara Wheeler, 24, of Norwich, died in the accident.

The crash was reported Aug. 28 at 9:26 p.m. when several callers told emergency dispatch about a multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of Long Hill Road and Meridian Street Extension.

A 2010 Audi Q7 was driving south on Long Hill Road. When it approached the Meridian Street Extension, the Audi had a left green arrow allowing it to make a left turn into the Groton Shopping Center.

Several dirt bikes and ATVs were traveling north on Long Hill Road into the intersection and had a red light. Witnesses reported the dirt bikes and ATVs were operating northbound, some with no lights on, according to police.

One of the dirt bikes with two riders on it, Whipple and Wheeler, entered the intersection and hit the right rear passenger section of the Audi. The dirt bike's passenger, later identified as Wheeler, struck the Audi causing fatal injuries.

Whipple was transported to L&M Hospital and later airlifted to Yale New Haven Hospital for further treatment. The Audi's driver was transported to L&M Hospital and released.

Police said the other dirt bike and ATV riders "removed the dirt bike that was involved in the crash from the scene without providing assistance to the two injured riders."

Whipple was charged with second-degree manslaughter, first-degree reckless endangerment, misconduct with a motor vehicle, and numerous other motor vehicle violations.

He was released after posting $200,000 surety bond and will be arraigned in New London Superior Court on Nov. 16.

Wheeler was the daughter of former college basketball player Tyson Wheeler, WFSB 3-TV reported. Tyson Wheeler, a New London native, played for the University of Rhode Island from 1994 to 1998.

Town of Groton Police Chief L. J. Fusaro issued a statement in August regarding the fatal crash: "This is a very unfortunate tragedy that resulted in the loss of life of one young lady, and a second young man is clinging to life. From all indications, there was a group of motorcycles and ATVs that were operating recklessly both before and after this crash. What is most troubling is that someone who may have been traveling with them stopped for this crash, and rather than rendering aid to the critically injured parties, removed the dirt bike from the road. In addition to the wanton disregard for human life, the actions of removing the involved dirt bike from the scene has tampered with and impeded this investigation.

"Moreover, reckless behavior on the roadways poses a danger to those operators and innocent motorists. Unless this behavior stops, I fear more of these senseless tragedies will occur. We are appealing to the public for assistance with this case and urge anyone who may have information about this crash, the location of the involved dirt bike or the identity of any persons who were in this group of riders to contact the department."

The investigation remains open. Groton police are asking anyone with information to call them at 860-441-6712.