Bridgeport Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, and Brittany Islami, 34, Killed in Motorcycle Collision in Danbury Early Monday Morning
DANBURY, CT — Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, and New Milford resident Brittany Islami, 34, died in a motorcycle crash on Sugar Hollow Road shortly before 2:45 a.m. on Monday, authorities said.
According to police, Whiteside was operating the motorcycle when it collided with an oncoming Jeep. Both Whiteside and Islami were pronounced dead at the scene. The Jeep’s driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
A memorial has been established outside Bridgeport Police Headquarters, where community members have left messages in tribute to the late officer. In Danbury, memorials consisting of bouquets and crosses have appeared near the crash site.
A procession honoring Whiteside was held on Wednesday, with police and family members accompanying the hearse from the chief medical examiner’s office to a funeral home in Danbury. Video footage shows dozens of officers saluting as nearly 100 police vehicles participated.
New Milford Mayor Pete Bass promoted a GoFundMe campaign for Islami’s three children, aged 12, 10, and 7, who are facing “the unimaginable loss of their mother,” according to her sister, Katelyn Nakano.
Elected officials, including Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and Danbury City Council President Jeanette Herron, have expressed their condolences on social media, calling the incident a tragic loss for the community.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Lane closures were in effect on Sugar Hollow Road during the response and investigation.