On Friday, November 8, 2024, at approximately 12:45 a.m., a Groton Police Officer on patrol came upon an accident scene in the area of 33 Fort Hill Rd between Depot Road and South Road, Groton, CT.
The officer reported a motorcycle was down on the roadway and its operator was located nearby with serious injuries. The officer immediately requested additional first responders and emergency medical services to respond to the scene to assist. Emergency responders, to include Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Groton Ambulance, and Lawrence and Memorial Paramedics arrived on scene to assist police. The operator, later identified as Elijah W. Hummel, 21 years old, of Groton, was transported to L&M Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Unfortunately, Hummel was pronounced deceased by medical personnel. Hummel’s family was notified of his death and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
The initial investigation into the accident showed that Hummel was operating a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-400 traveling westbound on Fort Hill Road (Route 1) at a high rate of speed. Hummel lost control of his motorcycle and traveled across the eastbound travel lane of Fort Hill Road and struck an unoccupied Jeep Cherokee which was parked in front of Midway Pizza, 33 Fort Hill Road.
Members of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Traffic Unit arrived on scene to assist in the investigation. This team of accident re-constructionists included officers from the Groton Police Department and Ledyard Police Department. Members of the Groton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) also responded to assist in the investigation. Fort Hill Road between Depot Road and South Road remained closed to motor vehicle traffic while the accident was being investigated but has since been opened.
This accident remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash or has other information which would assist officers with this case, please call the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.
