Gowanus Expressway wreck leaves 2 dead

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Two people were killed when a motorcycle apparently flew off the elevated Gowanus Expressway and landed on the street below.

According to police, the driver failed to navigate a curve in the road, losing control of the vehicle and striking a cement wall. The two aboard the Kawasaki were ejected and landed on Third Avenue and 17th Street just before 2:30 a.m., falling about 35 feet.

A man, 30, and a woman, 24, were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as Jos Chevere, of Brooklyn, and Jalissa Otero, of Brooklyn.

Chevere's family released a statement Friday morning calling him "a very intelligent young man with a lot of talent."

"He was the first born of our family, has another brother and a sister, born 12/05/85," it said. "He loved cars, bikes, and music. We are going to miss him deeply. He left behind a son. Just a normal youngster."

The eastbound Gowanus Expressway ramp to the Prospect Expressway was closed for investigators, but it was reopened around 5:30 a.m.