Enfield High School Graduate Killed In Hartford Motorcycle Crash

HARTFORD, CT — A collision between a motorcycle and a tractor-trailer on Airport Road Monday night claimed the life of a 21-year-old graduate of Enfield High School.

Elisha Swanson-Asiam, a member of the class of 2017 who played on the school's baseball team, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place around 8:39 p.m. in the area of the Interstate 91 southbound on-ramp, police Lt. Paul Cicero said.

Swanson-Asiam was found in the road alongside his motorcycle, a 2008 Yamaha R6. The tractor-trailer driver, a man, has been cooperating with the investigation, Cicero said.

A preliminary investigation indicated Swanson-Asiam was speeding, which contributed to the crash, according to Cicero.

"Beyond baseball, Elisha was an extraordinary young man," Enfield baseball coach Jay Gaucher said. "He was a very caring young man who loved his family and friends. Every time you would talk to him, he had a smile and was so polite, and willing to help out anyone who needed help. As an athlete, I had the opportunity to coach Elisha in baseball, but also coached him in football his freshman year. In baseball, he hit the furthest ball I have ever seen, and probably the longest ball ever by a player from Enfield. He was a great teammate to many and a great young man. He will be missed."

Tom Owens, who was Swanson-Asiam's American Legion baseball coach, said, "All I can say about Elisha is anytime he was on the field, or anytime you were around the kid, his smile lit everything up. It had nothing to do with baseball; he played hard, he was a good ballplayer, but it was more about his passion and enjoyment for life and playing. He smiled if he did bad or good, it didn't matter. He's going to be missed."

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call Officer James Fierravanti of the Hartford Police Crime Scene Division, or the HPD Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).

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