April 22, 2016: Leetes Island Road was closed today while Branford Police and members of the South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit investigated a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred just after 12:45 p.m.

Although the crash remains under investigation, officers who are reconstructing the crash believe the victim, Michael Deliberto, 32, (DOB 2/7/84) of 1200 South Curtis Street, Wallingford, was traveling southbound, at a high rate of speed,  in the area of 340 Leetes Island Rd. when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree. Deliberto, who was the only passenger in the car, was pulled from the wreckage by passing motorists before the vehicle erupted in flames.

While members of the Branford Fire Department extinguished the fire, paramedics attempts to save Deliberto's life were unsuccessful.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Branford Police at 203-481-4241.