WOLCOTT, Conn. (WTNH) — A motorcyclist was killed Sunday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash in Wolcott, according to police.

A motorcycle and a car crashed on County Road, according to authorities. The motorcycle driver, 39-year-old Dean Fradiani of Wallingford, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dean Fradiani is the cousin of American Idol winner Nick Fradiani, according to a post Monday morning from the singer.

Nick Fradiani wrote on Facebook that his cousin defended him as a child and had “an infectious laugh that I’ll always remember.”

“We grew up together at Grandma’s,” the American Idol alum wrote. “You were Baby Dean even though you towered over all of us and could lift a truck. You were a gentle giant. It seemed like everyone had a soft spot for you.”

He went on to say that Dean Fradiani has always supported him.

“The pain I’m feeling is something I’ve never experienced,” Nick Fradiani wrote. “This is a tragedy and it’s hard for me to see it any other way. I’ll always remember you. I’ll always talk about you. You’re with your Dad and Grandma now, but our family will never be the same. I love you cuz.”