Names Released in Fatal Route 81 Motorcycle Crash

A fatal head-on crash between a car and two motorcycles occurred on Route 81, just north of the intersection with Route 81 in Killingworth, at approximately 4:25 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

According to state police, a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Karen S. Minutella, 47, and a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by John K. Healey, 47, both of Bayonne, N.J., were traveling northbound with a group of motorcyclists.

“At that time, a 2008 Honda Pilot SUV operated by a 16-year-old operator was traveling south on Route 81,” police said. “A head–on collision then occurred between the 2008 Honda Pilot SUV and the two motorcycles on Route 81.”

Minutella and Healey were ejected from their motorcycles. Minutella was pronounced deceased at the collision scene and Healey was transported to Hartford Hospital by Lifestar helicopter with serious, life-threating injuries, according to police.

The driver and passengers in the 2008 Honda Pilot SUV were not injured.

Immediately after the collision occurred, motorcyclist William Moshka, 48, of Bristol, made an evasive action and was ejected from the motorcycle, causing minor injury.

The motorcycle then struck a second vehicle that had stopped due to the initial motor vehicle collision.

The State Police Accident Unit responded to the scene to assist in this investigation.

(image via shutterstock)