Local man killed in Rhode Island motorcycle crash remembered for how he treated others

A local man who died from injuries sustained in a Rhode Island motorcycle crash has been identified.

According to Chief of Police Mark Vieira, on Saturday at approximately 1:30 p.m., Johnston Police responded to the area of 2442 Hartford Avenue for a serious motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a trailer being towed by a pick-up truck.  

The preliminary investigation indicates that a GMC Sierra 2500 towing a flatbed trailer, was making a left turn into a residential driveway when a Yamaha motorcycle traveling eastbound collided with the trailer.  The 38-year-old motorcycle operator sustained serious injuries and was transported by rescue to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.   

Members of the Johnston Police Department’s Traffic Bureau and Bureau of Criminal Identification responded to process the scene.  The operator of the pick-up truck is cooperating with investigators.  

It is clear in talking to those who knew the deceased, that Jay Packard was a special person and loved by many. Friends told Fall River Reporter that he was the most genuinely good person you could ever meet. He could make anyone smile, was kind, generous, and had a memorable laugh. He also lit up a room.

At this time, no criminal charges are pending, and the crash remains under active investigation.

Services for Packard have not yet been announced.