PLAINFIELD, CT — June 17, 2025 — The town of Plainfield is grappling with profound sorrow following the tragic death of 24-year-old Nicholas Collelo, a beloved local resident whose life was cut short in a devastating crash on Monday evening, June 16. The collision, which involved Collelo’s dirt bike and a Jeep Wrangler, occurred along the 500 block of Norwich Road (Route 12), sending shockwaves through the close-knit community.
According to the Plainfield Police Department, the fatal crash occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a Jeep. Upon arrival, first responders found Collelo lying in the roadway with severe injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Backus Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Collelo was riding a dirt bike southbound on Route 12 when he collided with a northbound Jeep Wrangler that was attempting to turn left into a private driveway. Investigators say the impact was significant, and neither speed nor visibility factors have been ruled out. The driver of the Jeep, whose identity has not been released, remained on the scene and is cooperating fully with authorities. At this time, no charges have been filed, though the investigation is ongoing.
News of Nicholas’s passing has devastated friends, family members, and neighbors, many of whom remember him as a kind-hearted young man with a bright smile and a deep love for motorsports and the outdoors. Born and raised in Plainfield, Nicholas was known for his adventurous spirit, his mechanical talents, and the way he looked out for those around him. He worked locally and was often seen riding his dirt bike through trails or spending time with friends.
“He had a zest for life that was contagious,” said family friend Theresa Marcoux. “He was always quick with a laugh, willing to lend a hand, and had dreams of building a life here in the town he loved.”
Social media has been flooded with tributes to Collelo since news of the crash broke. Friends posted photos and heartfelt memories, calling him “a brother,” “a loyal friend,” and “the kind of person who never let you feel alone.”
Plainfield Police Chief Mario Arriaga issued a public statement extending condolences to the Collelo family. “This is a terrible loss for our community,” Chief Arriaga said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Nicholas’s family and loved ones. Our department is working diligently to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident.”
In the wake of the tragedy, many residents are also calling for increased awareness around road safety, particularly regarding dirt bikes and other small motorized vehicles that often share the road with larger, less maneuverable automobiles. Some have suggested that Route 12, a well-traveled corridor with mixed traffic, needs better signage or lighting to reduce future incidents.
As plans begin to form for Nicholas’s memorial, loved ones have announced a candlelight vigil to be held Wednesday evening at Plainfield High School, where Nicholas graduated in 2019. The vigil will serve as both a tribute and a time for the community to gather in grief and reflection.
“Nicholas will be remembered not just for the way he left us, but for the way he lived — full of energy, full of heart, and never afraid to be himself,” said his cousin, Brian Collelo. “His loss leaves an emptiness that can’t be filled, but we will honor him by holding each other close and carrying his memory forward.”
Nicholas Collelo’s passing has left an indelible mark on Plainfield. His tragic death is a reminder of life’s fragility and the suddenness with which it can be altered. As the town mourns the loss of one of its own, it also rallies together — to support the grieving family, to share in sorrow, and to remember a young man who brought light into so many lives.
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