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Off-Duty Chelsea Police Officer Killed In Lynn Motorcycle Crash

LYNN (CBS) – An off-duty Chelsea police officer was killed Thursday night in a Lynn crash involving two motorcycles.

Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes said Officer John Bruttaniti, 41, died following a crash on the Lynnway.

Officer John Bruttaniti
Chelsea Police Officer John Bruttaniti. (2015 WBZ-TV file image)

Massachusetts State Police said Bruttaniti was driving his 2014 FLHXS motorcycle when he lost control for unknown reasons.

Bruttaniti then struck a second motorcycle, which was being driven by a 25-year-old Lynn man. After hitting the second motorcycle, Bruttaniti crashed into a utility pole and was declared dead at the scene.

The driver of the second motorcycle, a 2005 Honda CRF450, was transported to Lynn Union Hospital.

Fatal Lynn Motorcycle Crash Lynn Officer
One of two motorcycles involved in a fatal Lynn crash. (WBZ-TV)

Kyes said Bruttaniti was riding home when the accident happened around 10:20 p.m.

"He was an incredible police officer and an absolute gentlemen and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him," Kyes said in a statement Friday. "Suffice to say that we as a community are devastated by his loss but take some comfort that he is now at peace at eternal rest."

Chelsea Officer Killed Lynn Crash
An off-duty Chelsea police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash in Lynn. (WBZ-TV)

Prior to becoming a police officer, Bruttaniti served as a Chelsea firefighter from 2005 to 2008.

In June 2015, Bruttaniti received the Chelsea Police Department's Life Saving Medal for rescuing a toddler who was choking on a penny.

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