32-year-old former Rhode Island firefighter, Army veteran, killed in highway crash

An active firefighter from southern New England has died from injuries sustained in a highway crash.

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Friday, 32-year-old Michael Terrio was involved in a multi vehicle accident.

According to Connecticut State Police, a vehicle was traveling on I-95 southbound, north of exit 59 in the Town of Guilford in the right lane. A vehicle being driven by Terrio was traveling on I-95 southbound behind the other vehicle in an unknown lane. Terrio’s vehicle struck the other vehicle from behind.

Terrio was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital and was later pronounced deceased. The other driver reported minor injuries and was transported to the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven.

According to the Guilford Fire Department, Firefighter Terrio was a dedicated public servant who committed himself to protecting the residents of Guilford. His loss is deeply felt by his fellow firefighters, colleagues across town departments, and the entire Guilford community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family during this unimaginable time,” said Michael Shove, Guilford Fire Chief. “We ask the community to keep his loved ones in their hearts as we grieve the loss of a brother firefighter.”

The Guilford Fire Department will have peer support services available to assist members and staff in coping with this difficult loss.

According to the Kingston Fire District, Terrio was a former Kingston, RI Fire Department Lieutenant who was also a United States Army veteran, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the Airborne Infantry.

Services have not yet been announced.

The collision remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Troop F at 860-399-2100.