Friends and family of killed motorcyclist speak out

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - An investigation is ongoing after a motorcycle crash left one man dead Monday in Holyoke. Friends and family identified the victim of that crash as William Brunault. Holyoke Police said they responded to the Lyman and North Bridge Street area just before 3:00 in the afternoon.

Officials say the man riding the motorcycle was taken to the hospital, where he later died. On Tuesday, we spoke with Bobbie Kelley of South Hadley who has been friends with Brunault for about 34 years.

“I think one of the main things that I remember most about him was he was very caring, and he was probably the main person to tell you when we were leaving any place was to be careful. He would tell everyone to give them a hug and tell them to be careful riding home. Said Kelly.

She told us he was part of the motorcycle community and was known by many at a local pub in Holyoke. “The owner just called me from the Clover, and everybody is just so saddened by it yes so, so much so.”

Many knew Brunault as William Bill, Williard, Or Willie. But for Carly Brunault, he had just one name: dad. “He was a wild and free spirit and that was inspiring to everybody around him.” Carly said. One example of her father’s wild and free days was back in the 1980’s when her dad raced 280 bikers in a dirt bike race in Manchester Vermont. “It was 50 miles, the race, and he won first place.”

A memorable moment for Brunalt’s longtime friend Donald Orchutt who had been by his side that day, and in the decades to follow. “All I want to tell you is that he’s been a friend of mine since high school, and he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, he was a kind loving caring person.” Orchutt shared.

We are still waiting for more details from the Hamden District Attorney’s Office about the crash. In the meantime, if you’d like to donate to the family, you can visit their GoFundMe.