News

Bikers killed in 'devastating' NH motorcycle crash had roots in Mass.

COLUMBIA, N.H. — Communities across New England continue to mourn the deaths of the motorcycle enthusiasts killed in a devastating crash with a pickup truck in New Hampshire.

Out of the seven victims, three had ties to Massachusetts, where their hometowns are coming together to remember their lives and carry on their legacy.

The victims of the wreck Friday evening were members or supporters of the Marine JarHeads — a New England motorcycle club that includes Marines and their spouses — and ranged in age from 42 to 62.

Michael Ferazzi was a former Plymouth Police officer who had been with the department for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 2014.

According to the Plymouth Police Chief, Ferazzi was a popular officer and will be sorely missed.

The Lakeville couple killed in the crash, Joanne and Edward Corr, were remembered fondly by a former neighbor.

"I was so sad to hear what happened to them," said Claudia Neault. "They were only 58 years old, they still had a ways to go; it shouldn't have happened."

>> RELATED: Expert: What drivers can do to avoid motorcycle crashes

For Neault, finding out about what had happened to the Corrs was a horror that unfolded slowly.

"At first, I didn't even put it together it was them," said Neault. "And I still didn't make the connection, until they said something about South Street."

The Corrs, who formerly lived in Bridgewater, were well-loved in their new neighborhood in Lakeville, where Joanne was president of the community association.

According to one neighbor, the Corrs would always fly an American flag and a Marine Corps flag in their front yard.

One other place feeling the pain of loss is at Spillane's nursery in Middleborough where Edward worked as a head mechanic. A co-worker remembers him as a great mentor, a great man and the one to call whenever something needed fixing.

>> MORE: Truck driver charged with 7 counts of negligent homicide in NH wreck

That same co-worker told Boston 25 News the Corrs motorcycle trip to New Hampshire happened in between two major life-changing events for the couple.

Joanne's mother had recently passed away while they were expecting a grandchild.

The driver of the pickup truck accused of colliding with the group of 10 motorcycles in Randolph, N.H. was extradited to New Hampshire to face a judge, but waived his arraignment on Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea.

According to police, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, 23, was driving a pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer on a two-lane highway when he crossed the double line and slammed into the riders who were on their way to a charity event.

>> PREVIOUS: Bikers gather for emotional ceremony following deadly crash

Zhukovskyy was arrested at his West Springfield home on Monday and charged with seven counts of negligent homicide.

The trucking company he works for says this was his second trip and his third day on the job as part of a 30-day trial period.

Zhukovskyy also has two OUIs on his record and could face narcotics charges after police found packages containing what looks like heroin inside his apartment. Once the substance inside the packages is tested, new charges could be added.

>> MORE: Officials identify 7 victims killed in NH motorcycle crash

0