FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- UPDATE
Motorcyclist critically injured in motorcycle accident on Greenwich Avenue has died.
The Warwick Police responded to a single vehicle accident in Warwick on May 4, 2015, at approximately3:24 pm. The Traffic Division’s Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the accident. The operator of the motorcycle, Arthur Pelliccia, 57 years of age, from North Providence, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on May 6th at 7:18 pm. The investigation showed Pelliccia initially travelling south on Greenwich Avenue in the area of Vancouver Avenue before making a U-turn and then accelerating northbound. The operator lost control of the motorcycle on Greenwich Avenue just north of the Church of Christ at 934 Greenwich Avenue and the motorcycle appears to have flipped over before coming to rest. The motorcycle operator was thrown from the motorcycle and did not appear to be wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Witnesses describe a green older model minivan type vehicle exiting Vancouver Avenue turning left as the motorcyclist approached causing him to slow down. Witnesses have told investigators that it appeared that the motorcycle operator may have exchanged words with the green minivan operator just prior to the crash but there did not appear to be any contact or collision with the two vehicles. The green minivan continued northbound towards Route 113 and at this point may not even be aware of the crash.
Investigators would still like to speak to the operator of the green minivan at least as a possible witness, so anyone with information on the owner or operator of this vehicle is asked to contact the Warwick Police Department Traffic Division. Speed of the motorcycle appears to have been a factor in the crash and there are no indications of alcohol.
The investigation is continuing and anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is requested to contact the Warwick Police Department Traffic Division at (401)468-4343.
Investigators from the Warwick Police Traffic Division located and interviewed the operator of the green van on Friday, May 15 and have determined that the operator did have a brief verbal exchange with the motorcyclist consistent with the witness account, but had no actual knowledge or involvement in the crash. No charges or citations will be issued to the operator of the green van as a result of the investigation.
The investigation has been completed at this point and included additional interviews, physical inspections of the motorcycle, and information obtained from the RI Medical Examiner.
