Off-duty cop and his girlfriend are killed after drunk Jeep driver smashed into their Harley-Davidson

Published: 06:53, 29 July 2026 | Updated: 06:53, 29 July 2026 A Connecticut cop and his girlfriend were killed in a devastating crash after an alleged drunk driver plowed into their motorcycle.  Melissa Ramirez, 27, faces two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle in connection with the crash that killed Bridgeport Police Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, and his girlfriend, Brittany Anne Islami, 34.  The couple was riding Whiteside’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle along Sugar Hollow Road in Danbury on July 13 when the crash happened.  Police say Ramirez was driving her Jeep around 2.45am when she allegedly struck the motorcycle.  Both victims were pronounced dead at the crash site, according to regional ABC affiliate WTNH.  The Jeep sustained heavy front-end damage in the crash, police told News 12 Long Island. Ramirez had to be removed from the wrecked vehicle and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, police added.  A witness driving ahead of the motorcycle told police he did not see exactly how the crash happened but believed a northbound vehicle may have crossed the double yellow line, CTPost reported.  Bridgeport Police Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, was killed after an alleged drunk driver hit his motorcycle Brittany Anne Islami, 34, was on the motorcycle with the cop, and also died in the crash Islami with her three children - Hayleigh (12), Madison (10), and Logan (7) The witnesses added that the motorcycle was not traveling erratically or swerving.  The 27-year-old was taken into custody and charged with operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and failing to maintain the proper lane, according to the Danbury Police Department.  She remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. Islami was a caretaker and personal assistant who was remembered by loved ones as a proud mother, daughter and sister, according to her obituary.  The late mother leaves behind three children, ages 12, 10 and 7.  Islami was known as' the life of the party' and 'lit up every room she walked into.' 'Brittany was the epitome of living life to the fullest. She made sure her children lived that same way; going to sporting events, school and town events, and trips. Her life revolved around her children.' 'One of her greatest strengths was her determination. No matter what challenges life placed in her path, she refused to give up,' her obituary added. A GoFundMe was created to support Islami’s three children, with funds raised going toward their immediate and future needs.  From a young age, Whiteside knew his calling was to become a police officer  Whiteside served on the force for two years, and Islami was a devoted mother-of-three who worked as a personal assistant and caretaker Melissa Ramirez, 27, faces two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle From a young age, Whiteside knew his calling was to become a police officer, according to his memorial.  'After only two years on the force, Cooper had made of himself an officer of distinction, never wavering in his purpose to serve and protect with integrity, humility, and compassion,' his obituary reads.  Whiteside was known for having an 'abundance of talent,' as he was 'a musician (a skilled violinist and piano player), an outdoor enthusiast, certified rescue diver, a handy-man and an epic jokester.'