‘True Friend’ of Wakefield, New Hampshire, Dies in Route 16 Motorcycle Crash

🔴Leigh Nichols, 53, went off Route 16 northbound in Milton Saturday afternoon

🔴Combat Vets Association (CVMA) NH 5-6 held a toast in his honor on Sunday

🔴He was a "true friend of our town and community," said Town Administrator Dino A. Scala.

A lifelong Wakefield resident who was a veteran and former public official for the town died in a motorcycle crash on Route 16 Saturday afternoon.

New Hampshire State Police said Leigh Nichols, 53, went off Route 16 northbound in Milton around 3:20 p.m. and suffered serious bodily injury after striking a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nichols, nicknamed "Regs", was a former Public Works Director for the Town of Wakefield and served with the New Hampshire Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, according to Town Administrator Dino A. Scala.

"The town of Wakefield is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Leigh Nichols," Scala told Seacoast Current in a statement. "Wakefield residents join in offering Leigh's family and friends our most heartfelt condolences and it is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to a true friend of our town and community."

Combat Vets Association (CVMA) NH 5-6 held a "Toast for Regs" Sunday at the Alton American Legion post to remember their member who served as secretary.

An initial investigation determined excess speed was a factor in the crash, and no other vehicle was involved.

State Police asked any witnesses to the crash to call 603-223-8490.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH