Motorcyclist From Windsor Locks Killed In Crash On Interstate 291

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — A motorcycle rider was killed Wednesday night when he lost control of his bike and was struck by a car on Interstate 291 in South Windsor, according to state police.

At 11:17 p.m., a 2017 Harley-Davidson XL1200 Forty-eight was westbound in the left lane of the highway east of the exit 4 on-ramp in the left. The motorcycle operator, identified as Jose Cotto, 23, of Windsor Locks, lost control and the bike tipped over, separating Cotto from the vehicle, police said.

A 2003 Honda Civic traveling an undetermined distance behind Cotto struck him and then the motorcycle, which were both still in the left lane. Cotto then collided with the driver side of a 2020 Ford Explorer, which was parked on the right shoulder of the highway, police said.

Cotto was taken to Hartford Hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Four people in the Honda were taken to Hartford Hospital with minor injuries. The Explorer operator told troopers he was not injured and refused medical treatment, police said.

No charges have been filed, and the case remains under investigation. Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Trooper Michael Dean at Troop H at 860-534-1098, or through email at michael.dean@ct.gov. Anyone owning a vehicle equipped with a dashcam who was driving through the area at the time of the collision is also asked to contact Trooper Dean.