Crime & Safety

Police ID Driver in Fatal Wheelchair Accident

Robert Silvia, 56, died Wednesday night after he was struck by a car while crossing the road in his wheelchair.

Police identified the driver of a pickup truck as Matthew McColgan of Middletown, who allegedly stuck 56-year-old Robert Silvia as he crossed the Memorial Boulevard in his wheelchair on Friday, Jan. 17.  Silvia died from injuries Wednesday night.

McColgan has been cited for driving without insurance and failure to yield to a person in a crosswalk. Newport police are conducting a criminal investigation. 

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