Man dies when deer jumps in front of motorcycle in Middletown

A 53-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Middletown on 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 that the motorcyclist, identified as Michael Thiede, had struck a railing, according to Middletown police.

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

“Thiede had no 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 road.”

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

According to police, his death was pronounced at the scene.

His passenger, 49-year-old Rebekah Cardona, suffered serious injuries to her chest and upper arm. She was taken to Hartford Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition Sunday, police said.

The department expressed its sincere condolences to the family.

The accident is being investigated by the Middletown Traffic Police. Anyone with information is asked to call 860-638-4061.