Two teens dead after motorcyclist crashes with SUV in Glastonbury

Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant
Updated ·2 min read

An 18-year-old motorcycle driver and a 15-year-old girl in an SUV were killed in a crash on Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury on Sunday, according to police.

The Glastonbury Police Department was called to Hebron Avenue near the Route 2 on-ramp after a driver reported a crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle before 7 p.m. Sunday.

Police identified the motorcycle driver as Gordon “Mac” Southby, 18, of Glastonbury. He was a senior at Glastonbury High School, police said.

“Mac was very intelligent and charismatic and will be greatly missed,” Glastonbury High School Principal Nancy Bean said in a letter to parents Monday afternoon. “We have Mac’s family and friends in our thoughts as they process this devastating loss.”

Colchester Public Schools identified the passenger of the SUV as Andra Spencer, 15, of Colchester. She was a Bacon Academy student.

“All of us at Colchester Public Schools are deeply saddened by the loss of our Bacon Academy student, Andra Spencer, who was involved in a motor vehicle accident last night,” Colchester Superintendent T.Y. McDowell said in a letter to families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they endure this difficult time.”

Southby and Spencer, who was seated in a back seat in the SVU, were transported to the hospital for serious injuries. Both were later pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.

All other occupants of the SUV were hospitalized for observation, according to police.

Bean said that school counselors, psychologists and support staff will be available to anyone who needs it. The school also provided information to families on how to help adolescents deal with grief.

McDowell said counselors will be available at Bacon Academy and Johnston Middle School for those in need of support. The district also forwarded the contact for the Mobile Crisis Hotline, which can be reached by dialing 211.

The crash is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Glastonbury Police Department at 860-633-8301.