Community Rallies to Support Family of Naugatuck Native Killed in Motorcycle Crash

A GoFundMe has been launched to help cover funeral costs for the 27-year-old small business owner who died in a weekend collision.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:58pm

An extreme close-up of a shattered motorcycle helmet visor, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a fatal crash that has devastated a local community.A community mourns the tragic loss of a young entrepreneur, underscoring the need for life insurance coverage among small business owners.Naugatuck Today

The Naugatuck community is mourning the loss of Matthew William Sherwood, a 27-year-old native who died in a motorcycle crash over the weekend in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. Sherwood, the owner of a local car detailing company, was remembered for his kindness, passion, and willingness to help others. A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family with funeral expenses, as Sherwood did not have life insurance as a small business owner.

Why it matters

Sherwood's death has deeply impacted the tight-knit Naugatuck community, where he grew up playing Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. As a young small business owner, his passing highlights the financial challenges that can arise for families when a loved one dies unexpectedly without life insurance coverage.

The details

According to reports, Sherwood's motorcycle collided head-on with a tow truck in Barkhamsted on Saturday, April 11th. His obituary describes him as a passionate person who owned a successful mobile car detailing company, MaxSport Detailing, that had grown tremendously in recent years. Sherwood was remembered for his kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to lend an ear to friends and family.

  • Sherwood died in a motorcycle crash on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Calling hours will be held on April 21 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:30 p.m.
  • A celebration of life will take place after the services at Chippanee Country Club in Bristol.

The players

Matthew William Sherwood

A 27-year-old Naugatuck native who owned a successful mobile car detailing company called MaxSport Detailing.

Naugatuck Babe Ruth

A local youth baseball league that paid tribute to their former player Sherwood on Facebook.

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What they’re saying

“Sad news to share...Matthew Sherwood was a great kid to coach and grew into a great young man and business owner. Our condolences go out to his family.”

— Naugatuck Babe Ruth

What’s next

The GoFundMe fundraiser has a goal of $22,000 to help cover Sherwood's cremation and celebration of life expenses. Any additional funds will be used to care for his beloved dog, Ocean.

The takeaway

Sherwood's unexpected passing at just 27 years old has devastated his tight-knit community in Naugatuck. His story highlights the importance of life insurance, especially for young small business owners, and the financial burdens that can fall on families when a loved one dies without coverage.