28-year-old Rhode Island man killed in motorcycle crash remembered as services announced

A 28-year-old man from Providence, Rhode Island, killed in a collision on Interstate 95 southbound in Madison last Monday afternoon is being remembered.

According to the Connecticut State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. just south of Exit 60 in the left lane of the two-lane section of I-95 southbound.

A 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited was traveling in the left lane when it was struck from behind by a 2024 BMW operated by Joseph Baez.

Police stated that Baez was traveling at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred. The BMW was extensively damaged and towed from the scene.

Baez was transported by Madison EMS to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased from his injuries. The other driver was not injured.

According to an obituary, Baez had a heart of gold despite his imperfections and “had a laugh that was unforgettably contagious. Whether he was cracking jokes, riding, laughing, or simply spending quality time with those he loved, Joseph had a way of making people feel alive. He was a man of spontaneity. When you least expected him, he was there, along with the rev of his bike. His passion for adventure started early. Whether it was scooters as a child or motorcycles in adulthood, Joseph was happiest with wheels beneath him. One of the most familiar sights was Joseph on the corner of Warrington, in front of his mother’s house, working on passion projects, there, he quickly earned the title of “The Mechanic”.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser raised over $14,000 for Baez’s services as of this writing.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, May 27th, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. His funeral will begin at 9:30 am Thursday, May 28, from the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Home Service to begin at 11:00 am. Burial will take place in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick.

The crash remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Connecticut State Police Troop F at (860) 399-2100.