June 9, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

NEWS RELEASE - Fatal Motorcycle Accident

On June 8, 2024 at approximately 5:45pm, Middletown Police Officers were called to Randolph Road in the area of Zoars Pond for a motorcycle accident.  

On arrival, Officers found that the driver of the motorcycle, identified as 53-year-old Michael Thiede, had struck a guard rail on Randolph Road. Tragically, South District Fire and Hunter’s Ambulance medical personnel were unable to stabilize Thiede due the extent of his injuries and he was pronounced deceased on scene. 

Thiede’s passenger, identified as 49-year-old Rebekah Cardona, sustained serious injuries to her chest and upper arm. Cardona was transported to Hartford Hospital where she remains in critical condition. 

Witnesses to the collision indicated that Thiede and Cardona were traveling westbound on Randolph Road on Thiede’s 2011 Harley Davidson when a deer suddenly jumped out of the field at Zoars Pond. Thiede had no time to react and collided with the deer. He lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the guardrail on the north side of the roadway. 

The collision is being investigated by Ofc E. Sanford of the Middletown Police Traffic Division. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Ofc Sanford at 860-638-4061.

Our condolences go out to Thiede and Cardona’s family and friends.