Community Mourns Naugatuck Native Who Died In Weekend Crash, Rallies To Support Family

NAUGATUCK, CT — A fundraiser has been launched to support the family of a 27-year-old man from Naugatuck who died in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.

According to CT Insider, Wolcott resident Matthew William Sherwood died Saturday after his motorcycle collided head-on with a tow truck in Barkhamsted.

His obituary posted by Funk Funeral Home describes Sherwood as a person who "lived his life with a passion that you could feel the moment you were around him."

According to the obituary, Sherwood owned MaxSport Detailing in Wolcott, a mobile car detailing company "which has grown tremendously over the past couple of years."

Born in Derby, he grew up in Naugatuck, where he enjoyed playing Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and graduated from Naugatuck High School in 2016, according to the obituary.

"Matt will be remembered for his kindness, his passion for the things he loved, and the way he was always ready to help people," the obituary reads.

In a Facebook post Monday, Naugatuck Babe Ruth paid tribute to former player Sherwood.

"Sad news to share...Matthew Sherwood was a great kid to coach and grew into a great young man and business owner," the post reads. "Our condolences go out to his family."

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched "to help lessen the pain that the family is already going through" and raise money to go toward his cremation and celebration of life.

According to the GoFundMe page's description, Sherwood did not have a life insurance plan provided through work as a small business owner.

"Like most young people, [Sherwood] never anticipated leaving this world until he was old and gray and had no independent life insurance policy," the description reads. "However, on Saturday, [April 11] 2026, at the age of 27, the world had other plans."

The fundraiser's description describes Sherwood as someone who could make a connection with anyone.

"If you were engaged in a one-on-one conversation (or really any conversation with him), you would be enthralled with his various stories of the gym, his rides, a trip, or just his day-to-day life," the description reads. "He was also always there to lend an ear when you had something to tell, to bounce ideas off of, or to seek advice. His smile was infectious and radiated warmth and genuine joy."

The description also notes that "any donation, no matter how small, is beyond appreciated," and any additional funds will be used to help with the care of his beloved dog, Ocean.

Calling hours will be held April 21 between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Funk Funeral Home, located at 35 Bellevue Avenue in Bristol, followed by a service to remember at 6:30 p.m., according to the obituary.

The GoFundMe description notes a celebration of life will take place after services at Chippanee Country Club in Bristol.

"There will be chicken, pasta, meatballs, vegetables, rolls and salad served during that time," the description reads. "There will be a cash bar available for those who want to have adult beverages."

As of Tuesday evening, the GoFundMe page has raised nearly $20,500 toward a current fundraising goal of $22,000 after receiving over 230 donations.

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe page can do so here.