ROCKY HILL, Conn. -- The president of Capitol City Ryders, a motorcycle club in Hartford, said the news of a deadly crash that stopped highway traffic quickly made its way through the riding circuit.

“It was just like somebody in my own family,” said club President Ken Hinson. “I'm hurt. Members from other clubs (are) devastated from this situation.”

Hinson said he knew 34-year-old Kevin Williams, a Department of Corrections officer from East Hartford, one of the two men thrown from his motorcycle and killed Sunday night.

“Kevin was a very nice guy, wasn't a type of wild guy,” Hinson said. “The way I remember him is (as a) very relaxed guy."

Williams didn’t belong to the Capitol City Ryders, said Hinson, but he sometimes rode with the group.

The state police report shows Williams was wearing a helmet, but the other rider killed, Robert Ramkissoon, 33, of Windsor, was not.

"We have a certification class every month, all my members, proper lane changes, all that," said Hinson.

He said he's working with motorcycle clubs around the state to improve safety. Sadly, Hinson and both victims attended a memorial service earlier Sunday for a fellow rider who was recently killed.

Sources said both victims were on their way back from that service when they crashed.

Police said Williams had a 29-year-old woman riding with him. She’s listed in stable condition at Hartford Hospital.

Investigators said they believe both bikes were speeding when one hit a tractor-trailer from behind, causing all three vehicles to collide.

Both men were thrown 400 yards upon impact, police said, which is the length of four football fields.

“We should do something,” said Hinson. “Me and other bikers should step out and try to make a change.”