TUCSON, AZ — A 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed early Saturday after losing control of his bike on East Golf Links Road, according to the Tucson Police Department.
Officers responded at approximately 2:20 a.m. June 6 to the 4200 block of East Golf Links Road and found the rider, identified as Nathan Daniel Roberts Jr., unresponsive.
Tucson Fire Department personnel evaluated Roberts at the scene, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said Roberts was traveling westbound when he failed to maintain his lane, struck the north curb and left the roadway, coming to rest in a dirt area.
Police said failure to maintain a travel lane was the primary contributing factor in the crash. Roberts had a valid motorcycle endorsement but was not wearing a helmet at the time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The crash adds to a troubling rise in traffic fatalities in Tucson this year. TPD reported 38 traffic deaths so far in 2026, compared with 25 at the same point in 2025.
Pedestrian deaths have been especially stark, rising from six in 2025 to 16 so far this year. Bicycle fatalities rose from zero to two, while vehicle fatalities increased from 13 to 14. Motorcycle fatalities remained at six in both years.
Separately, one person died Sunday afternoon in a crash at Grant Road and Oracle Road. Westbound traffic was closed for several hours while officers investigated.
No additional details have been released.
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