Fatal Motorcycle Crash – News Release
Portsmouth, RI – June 10, 2025 — The Portsmouth Police Department is deeply saddened to report a tragic accident that claimed the life of 36-year-old Juan Pablo Garcia Castro, a Middletown, Rhode Island resident, following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
At approximately 4:02 PM, Portsmouth Police were dispatched to the area of West Main Road at the Route 24 North on-ramp in response to a reported crash involving one motorcycle. Emergency calls reported that the motorcyclist appeared unconscious and unresponsive at the scene.
The Portsmouth Fire Department was immediately notified and responded alongside officers. Upon arrival, law enforcement closed access to Route 24 North at the on-ramp, diverting traffic to secure the scene and provide space for emergency responders to administer aid and initiate the preliminary crash investigation.
The motorcyclist was identified as Juan Pablo Garcia Castro, who was quickly transported by Portsmouth Fire personnel to St. Anne’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained in critical condition.
Tragically, on June 9, 2025, Portsmouth Police received confirmation that Mr. Garcia Castro had succumbed to his injuries.
The preliminary investigation, conducted by the Portsmouth Police Department’s Detective Division and Accident Reconstruction Unit, indicates that Mr. Garcia Castro was traveling northbound on West Main Road, entering Route 24 North via the left lane. As he entered a curve on the highway, his motorcycle changed lanes and subsequently struck a guardrail. The impact caused Mr. Garcia Castro to be ejected from the motorcycle, which continued down the road before coming to its final rest.
Authorities confirmed that Mr. Garcia Castro was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. There were no indications of other vehicles being involved in the incident.
This heartbreaking loss has reverberated through the Middletown and Portsmouth communities, where Juan Pablo was known for his kind spirit and passion for riding. The Portsmouth Police Department offers its sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.
The crash remains under active investigation, and police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Portsmouth Police Detective Division.
As the community mourns, flags will be lowered in tribute to Juan Pablo Garcia Castro, whose life ended far too soon on a Rhode Island road.
