Frank Recchia

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Sep 30, 2026, 5:13 PM

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Updated

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Hundreds of mourners gathered in Bridgeport to bid a final farewell to Natalie Velez, a 41-year-old mother of four and avid motorcyclist who died following a crash.

Velez lost control of her motorcycle on Newfield Avenue on Sept. 19, striking a utility pole and a fence before succumbing to her injuries four days later at Yale New Haven Hospital.

In the wake of their loss, her family shared exclusive photos with News 12, saying they hope to promote safety and prevent similar tragedies for other riders.

Emphasizing this message of caution, Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter urged all motorcyclists to always wear a helmet, though the exact cause of Velez's crash remains under investigation.