Johnston Firefighter Killed In Cranston Motorcycle Crash

CRANSTON, RI — A Johnston firefighter was killed in a motorcycle crash at the corner of Felicia Drive and Belgium Avenue Wednesday night. Richard Gemma, 45, suffered a traumatic head injury and was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital.

According to Cranston police, Gemma was driving north along Belgium Avenue when he tried to turn left onto Felicia Drive. As he started to turn, his wheel hit the curb on the side of the road, pulling his motorcycle sharply to the right. Although he tried to regain control by braking, Gemma was thrown from the bike, hitting his head as he fell. The motorcycle skidded across the road and landed alongside him.

Gemma was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said.

The investigation into Gemma's death is still ongoing. At this time, officials do not know what caused the crash, though speed was not believed to have been a factor.

"Our condolences go out to the Gemma family and the entire Johnston Fire Department where Mr. Gemma served as a firefighter," Cranston police said in a statement.

Police and fire departments across the state have offered their condolences to the department and Gemma's family.

"At this time, please keep brother Gemma, his family and the members of Local 1950 in your thoughts and prayers," the Johnston firefighters' association wrote on Facebook.