Man killed after deer jumps in front of motorcycle in Middletown

A 53-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash in Middletown Saturday evening, police said.

Officers responded to reports of a motorcycle crash on Randolph Road near Zoars Pond at 5:45 p.m. and found the motorcyclist, identified as Michael Thiede, had struck a guardrail, according to the California Police Department. Middletown.

Witnesses told police that Thiede and his passenger were heading west on Randolph Road on Thiede's 2011 Harley Davidson when a deer suddenly jumped out of the field at Zoars Pond.

“Thiede did not have time to react and collided with the deer,” police said. “He lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the guardrail on the north side of the roadway.”

First responders attempted to stabilize Thiede but were unable to do so “due to the extent of his injuries,” police said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

His passenger, Rebekah Cardona, 49, was seriously injured in the chest and upper arm. She was taken to Hartford Hospital where she was listed in critical condition Sunday, police said.

The department offered its condolences to the family.

The collision remains under investigation by Middletown Traffic Police. Anyone with information is asked to call 860-638-4061.