Marcellino Phillip Anthony Turcio, of Northford, New Haven County, died in a chain-reaction crash just north of Exit 13 in Wallingford around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to Connecticut State Police.
A preliminary investigation found that Turcio's Kawasaki motorcycle crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer, throwing him onto the asphalt, State Police said.
Another vehicle then struck Turcio and fled the scene, police reported. Turcio was pronounced dead at the scene.
As news of his death spread on social media, dozens of people shared tributes to the young man and his lost potential. "He was at the beginning of his life," one person noted.
Many posts highlighted Turcio’s kindness and the deep connections he formed with his friends.
"He was such a sweet kid. He will be greatly missed," Victoria Vena wrote. "I wish his family the best and hope the driver is caught as soon as possible."
"You will forever be missed, Marcy. You changed our lives, dude," Luis Centeno wrote.
Several friends emphasized that Turcio was a cautious rider who understood there were risks with riding a motorcycle.
"He always said, 'Never ride faster than your guardian angel,'" Nicholas Rubino wrote. "See you in another life, buddy. I’ll miss my best friend."
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities ask anyone who witnessed the incident, has information about it, or possesses dash-camera footage to contact Trooper Patrick Miko at 203-393-4200 or Patrick.Miko@ct.gov.
Turcio's funeral arraignments had not been publicly disclosed as of Monday afternoon.
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