Young man dies in moped, truck collision Wednesday

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A file photo shows the section of South Road near where the accident occurred. — File photo by Ralph Stewart

Alexandro Garcia, 22, of Springfield died just after noon on Wednesday after he lost control of the moped he was operating on South Road in Chilmark and drove into the path of an oncoming pickup truck operated by Jonathan Rich, 24, of West Tisbury.

Mr. Rich had just left work at the Grey Barn Farm and pulled out of the driveway on his way down Island. Mr. Garcia was driving up Island when he went off the road on the right side, tried to correct, and crossed into the oncoming traffic, Chilmark Police Chief Brian Cioffi said.

Chilmark, Aquinnah, West Tisbury, and State Police responded to the accident call at 12:27 pm. The State Police accident reconstruction team arrived on the Island about 3 pm. South Road was closed between the Grange Hall in West Tisbury and Beetlebung Corner in Chilmark most of the afternoon while police investigated. No charges will be filed.

Mr. Garcia worked for Sun & Fun, an Oak Bluffs moped rental business owned by Don Gregory Jr., Mr. Garcia’s brother-in-law.  He had the day off and was alone at the time, possibly on his way to the beach, Mr. Cioffi said.

“It is just an unfortunate, tragic, sad accident,” Chief Cioffi said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of both young men involved.”