Stephen John Nichols Obituary, Death – Authorities are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon in East Haddam, which resulted in the passing of a motorcyclist. According to a report from the Connecticut State Police, the incident took place around 4:35 p.m. on the East Haddam Colchester Turnpike, near the intersection with Starr Road and Olmstead Road.
Troopers identified the rider as 63-year-old Stephen John Nichols of Madison, who was operating a BMW motorcycle and traveling westbound at the time.
Investigators said that a Toyota Tacoma was heading south on Starr Road and approached a T-shaped intersection where it attempted to make a left turn onto Olmstead Road. During the turn, the pickup truck entered the motorcyclist’s lane, creating a collision risk.
State police reported that the motorcycle collided with the front left side of the pickup truck. The impact caused Nichols to be thrown from his motorcycle. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Nichols was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the pickup truck remained on-site and cooperated with investigators. Authorities have not released the name of the driver or said whether any charges are expected to follow.
The crash led to a temporary road closure in the area as troopers conducted their investigation and cleared the vehicles from the roadway.
Members of the East Haddam Fire Department and emergency medical personnel assisted at the scene.
As of Thursday morning, state police said that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to analyze evidence from the scene and review statements from witnesses.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of attentiveness at intersections, especially where sight lines may be limited or where vehicles are making turns across lanes of travel. Motorcyclists are often more vulnerable in these situations due to their smaller size and limited protection compared to other vehicles.
Authorities encourage drivers to double-check for oncoming motorcycles before making turns or crossing intersections and remind motorcyclists to wear safety gear and remain alert to the movements of surrounding vehicles.
Officials extended condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Nichols during this difficult time.
No additional details about the cause of the crash or contributing factors—such as road conditions, speed, or visibility—have yet been disclosed. Investigators will continue to gather information to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information that could assist in the investigation is urged to contact the Connecticut State Police at Troop K in Colchester.
This case remains under active review by the Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad.