New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Wallingford man killed in motorcycle crash loved BMX, cars, family says
WALLINGFORD — Anthony Charlton had just bought himself a bigger motorcycle but had not even been able to ride it before he died in a fatal crash on Sunday night, according to a family member.
Leo Gregoire, Charlton’s uncle, said Charlton, 25, was riding a cross between a motorcycle and scooter, a Honda Grom, when he collided with a Honda Civic by the intersection of Masonic Avenue.
Local police said the Civic driver was on South Turnpike Avenue and Charlton was riding north on Masonic Avenue onto North Turnpike before the crash. They said the crash occurred as the Civic attempted to make a left turn onto the Wilbur Cross Parkway.
Gregoire recalled Charlton’s passion for skateboarding, BMX and his car, which was his biggest hobby.
“From a young age he loved that stuff, even scooters,” Gregoire said. “He was always helping his friends out to do different tricks.”
Beyond his hobbies, Gregoire described Charlton, a town resident, as an extremely down-to-earth person with a “good heart.”
“If I asked him (Charlton) to come over and help me do something, he would come over to help me,” Gregoire said. “He helped his father out a lot, too. But, genuinely, he was a very kindhearted person.”
Gregoire said that in an effort to help Charlton’s parents with funeral costs, he started a GoFundMe in his nephew’s honor.
Experts say motor vehicle collisions are deadlist at intersections and the majority involve left-hand turns. The CT Injury Resource Guide said that out of the 3 million intersection crashes reported, more than half involved lefthand turns.
Family and friends of Charlton are planning a vigil for Saturday near the intersection where the crash occurred, according to Gregoire. He said the family was planning a formal funeral for next week.
Police said the crash is under investigation.
Walling ford police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the department’s traffic division at 203-294-2818.