PORTSMOUTH, RI – June 10, 2025 — The Portsmouth Police Department is deeply saddened to report a tragic accident that claimed the life of 36-year-old Juan Pablo Garcia Castro, a Middletown, Rhode Island resident, following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The incident has shocked the local community, where Juan Pablo was well-known and beloved by many. His unexpected passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him, and his memory will forever live on in their hearts.
At approximately 4:02 PM, Portsmouth Police were dispatched to the area of West Main Road at the Route 24 North on-ramp in response to a reported crash involving one motorcycle. Emergency calls indicated that the motorcyclist appeared unconscious and unresponsive at the scene. As soon as emergency dispatchers received the call, they immediately alerted the Portsmouth Fire Department and law enforcement officials, who swiftly responded to the scene to provide assistance and secure the area.
Upon arrival, officers closed access to Route 24 North at the on-ramp, diverting traffic to allow emergency responders to attend to the scene and conduct an initial investigation. The motorcyclist was identified as Juan Pablo Garcia Castro, a well-known resident of Middletown, Rhode Island, who was quickly transported by Portsmouth Fire personnel to St. Anne’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the severity of his injuries required him to be airlifted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained in critical condition.
Tragically, on June 9, 2025, Portsmouth Police received confirmation that Mr. Garcia Castro had succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family, friends, and community devastated. His untimely death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, especially in the hearts of those who were closest to him. He was remembered as a kind-hearted, caring individual who lived life with a genuine passion for the things he loved, including his love for motorcycle riding, which was one of his greatest joys.
The preliminary investigation, which is being conducted by the Portsmouth Police Department’s Detective Division and Accident Reconstruction Unit, indicates that Mr. Garcia Castro was traveling northbound on West Main Road, entering Route 24 North via the left lane. As he entered a curve on the highway, his motorcycle unexpectedly changed lanes and subsequently struck a guardrail. The impact caused Mr. Garcia Castro to be ejected from the motorcycle, which continued down the road before coming to a stop. Authorities have confirmed that he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and there were no indications that other vehicles were involved in the incident.
The investigation is still ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working diligently to gather more details and confirm the exact cause of the crash. While the incident has all the hallmarks of a tragic accident, detectives are reviewing the available evidence, including any possible contributing factors such as road conditions or mechanical issues, to determine the full scope of the situation. The Portsmouth Police Detective Division has urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any relevant information to come forward and assist in their investigation.
As the community mourns, a sense of shock and disbelief has settled over both Portsmouth and Middletown, where Juan Pablo Garcia Castro was known for his warm personality and love of life. He had a passion for motorcycles and riding that was evident to everyone who knew him. Friends, family, and acquaintances remember him as someone who radiated positivity and kindness, always ready with a smile and a kind word for those around him. His loss has left an irreplaceable gap in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will continue to live on in the stories and tributes shared by those who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.
In the wake of this devastating loss, the Portsmouth Police Department has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Juan Pablo Garcia Castro. “Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,” said a spokesperson from the department. “This is a tragic loss, and we are committed to a thorough investigation to understand the full circumstances surrounding the accident.”
As part of the community’s response to the tragedy, flags will be lowered in tribute to Juan Pablo Garcia Castro. The gesture is a solemn recognition of the young man’s life and the profound impact he had on those who knew him. In a heartfelt message, one of his friends wrote, “Juan Pablo’s light shone brightly in all of our lives, and we will miss him every single day. Our thoughts are with his family, and we will carry his memory with us forever.”
Family members of Mr. Garcia Castro have also expressed their grief over the untimely passing of their loved one. His family described him as a devoted son, a loyal friend, and a person who always put others first. His family continues to remember him not just for his love of motorcycles but for the way he lived his life — with grace, humility, and a spirit of adventure. The community has come together to offer support, love, and prayers to Juan Pablo’s family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
The Portsmouth Police Department, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash. They are calling on anyone who may have been near the crash site on the evening of June 5, 2025, to come forward with any information that could assist in their investigation. Witnesses are urged to contact the Portsmouth Police Detective Division with any relevant details or insights that may help in understanding what led to this tragic event.
As the investigation continues and more information becomes available, the community remains in a state of mourning, reflecting on the life of a young man whose life was cut short far too soon. His death serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for all who share the streets. The memory of Juan Pablo Garcia Castro will continue to live on through the love and support of his family, friends, and the community that held him so dear. He may have been taken from this world too soon, but his legacy of kindness, adventure, and compassion will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.
For those wishing to support the Garcia Castro family during this difficult time, additional details and information regarding memorial services and donation opportunities will be shared by the family in the coming days. The Portsmouth Police Department will also continue to provide updates on the investigation as new developments emerge. May Juan Pablo rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from the community.
