Motorcyclist Dies On SR-128 After Illegal Passing Maneuver: CHP

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A motorcyclist died Friday on state Highway 128 in Sonoma County when he passed a fire engine, then lost control on a curve in the roadway, the California Highway Patrol said.

The fatal incident happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. Friday on SR-128 near Tahja Road, about halfway between Geyserville and Calistoga.

"The Calistoga Fire Department was on scene and reported the rider was deceased," CHP Officer David deRutte said.

CHP's preliminary investigation indicated the rider of a Triumph motorcycle was heading eastbound on SR-128 and was slowed by a Calistoga Fire engine.

According to the CHP, the rider illegally passed the fire engine by crossing over double-yellow lines.

"The rider was traveling too fast as he approached a right curve in the roadway," deRutte said. "The rider lost control and ran off the road into a ditch where he was ejected from the bike."

The fire engine crew stopped and tried to revive the rider, but he was pronounced dead, the CHP said.

The Sonoma County Coroner's Office was expected to release the motorcyclist's name once his family members were properly notified.

The CHP asked anyone who witnessed the crash or the events leading up to it to call the Santa Rosa CHP Office at 707-588-1400.