Crime & Safety
Former Merrimack Man Killed in Connecticut Crash
Dereck "Chappy" Chaput was riding a motorcycle involved in a collision with a truck.
Groton, Conn., police said Tuesday that 28-year-old Dareck D. Chaput, a Ledyard resident, was .
Chaput was involved in a motorcycle versus truck crash near Cow Hill Road, Chaput was riding the motorcycle. Initially, LifeStar was called for Chaput but was then canceled when police pronounced him dead at the scene. There were no other injuries reported.
Police say Chaput was driving a 2012 Triumph and he was wearing a helmet.
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According to his obituary, Chaput grew up in Merrimack and was active in various youth sports. He graduated from Bishop Guertin in 2003.
Chaput studied business at Salve Regina University, according to his Facebook page, which is listed under Dereck “Chappy” Chaput. He described his job as “motorcycle rockstar” at Twisted Throttle, a motorcycle supply store in Exeter, Rhode Island.
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The Town of Groton Police Department, the Groton Police Accident Investigation Team, Old Mystic Fire Department and Lawrence and Memorial Paramedic Unit responded to the scene.
Police are still investigating the cause of the collision.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 24, from 4-8 p.m. in the Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home, 21 Kinsley St., Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, Mass. Everyone is invited to meet at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be sent c/o Dr. Christine Hamelin-Chaput, 166 Nashua Road, Groton, MA 01450. These donations will be sent to a charity of the family’s choice in Dereck’s name.
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