Wallingford Man Killed In Crash Was American Idol Winner's Cousin: Reports

WALLINGFORD, CT — A motorcyclist who died following a two-vehicle accident on Sunday was the cousin of Nick Fradiani, a winner of "American Idol" and a Guilford native. Dean Fradiani, 39, of Wallingford, was killed when his motorcycle and a car collided on Lower County Road in Wolcott on Sunday afternoon, The New Haven Register reported.

Wolcott police officials said Monday that the motorcycle crash remains under investigation. The road was closed Sunday afternoon but reopened around 8:30 p.m., according to The New Haven Register.

Nick Fradiani mourned the loss of his cousin in social media posts.

"I don’t want to do this because then this becomes real," he wrote on Facebook. "We grew up together at Grandma’s. You were Baby Dean even though you towered over all of us and could lift a truck. You were a gentle giant."

He said that Dean Fradiani "supported me every step of the way in my life."

"You were always there," he wrote. "The pain I’m feeling is something I’ve never experienced. This is a tragedy and it’s hard for me to see it any other way. I’ll always remember you. I’ll always talk about you. You’re with your Dad and Grandma now, but our family will never be the same. I love you cuz."

Nick Fradiani won the 14th season of "American Idol" in 2015 at the age of 29. He performed his single "Beautiful Life" at the end of the season's finale. The song became the anthem for the FIFA Women's World Cup that year. He got his start with Milford-based band Beach Avenue.

See related: American Idol Winner Reflects on Life Changing Experience

• American Idol Winner Nick Fradiani Jr.'s Life Forever Changed