Cops: Man killed in Colchester crash

COLCHESTER — A 51-year-old died after crashing head-on with oncoming traffic on Route 16 in Colchester on Tuesday evening, according to State Police.

A 51-year-old man from Griswold was driving his 2018 Subaru BRZ east on Route 16 around 6:15 p.m. when, “for some unknwon reason,” he struck the metal beam guide rail in the right shoulder. The car then crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding headon with a 2022 Subaru Outback going west, according to a report from state police.

The incident report stated the driver of the BRZ, identified as Robert Matthew Morse, was not wearing a protection system. Morse was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Outback, a 61-year-old East Haddam woman, was taken to Hartford Hospital for suspected minor injuries, according to police.

State police were called to the incident around 6:15 p.m. A LifeStar helicopter was initially called to the scene, but a state trooper said it later wasn’t needed.

The state Department of Transportation reported the crash around 6:50 p.m. and said Route 16, also known as Middletown Road, was closed at Skinner Road. The road reopened around 10:20 p.m., according to the DOT.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Troop K in Colchester at 860-465-5400.