Son, 20, Killed, Father Seriously Injured in East Haddam Crash: UPDATE

A 20 year-old Meriden resident was killed Tuesday after losing control of his motorcycle riding in East Haddam, while his father was seriously injured, State Police said.

Stephen Palermo was riding southbound on Hopyard Road in Devil’s Hopyard State Park with his father, Jorge, where they encountered a series of difficult sharp curves. Palermo he lost control of his bike as he went through a left curve in the highway and struck a large tree stump, causing fatal injuries, State Police said.

His father also lost control and hit a large object that caused serious injury, State Police said. He was transported to Hartford Hospital, and police reports indicate that family was then notified.

The Hartford Courant reported the father as having suffered a broken arm, broken ribs, and punctured lungs in addition to the loss of his son.

A GoFundMe page was set up by those close to the family in order to raise money to send Stephen's mother, Arlene, from Georgia to Meriden. As of Wednesday afternoon, they have raised $1,781 towards their $1,500 goal.

"I am saying this with a very heavy heart," it said on the page. "Our beautiful Stephen did not make it and is now among the angels. We are now trying to raise money to help his sister, brother-in-law and niece get from GA to CT to lay him to rest. Anything will help."

Police are still investigating the situation.

Those looking to help out can visit the GoFundMe page and donate.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe