Motorcyclist Struck Car At 100 MPH In SR-74 Fatal Crash: CHP

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A motorcyclist rear-ended a Saturn at a high rate of speed and died Thursday on State Route 74 east of Lake Elsinore, according to California Highway Patrol dispatch.

The motorcyclist, a 29-year-old Perris man, perished at the scene, CHP officer Mike Lassig said. Two others—a 65-year-old woman and a 5-year-old girl, both from Homeland—were taken to the hospital with minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Just before 1:30 p.m., a motorcyclist, believed to be attempting to avoid another vehicle, went down in westbound lanes near Hammack Avenue, according to CHP dispatch.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department quickly arrived at the scene to find the motorcyclist in the westbound lanes and learned they had succumbed to injuries.

According to Officer Mike Lassig, the motorcyclist was riding a 2017 Ducati at approximately 100 mph at the time of the collision with a 2002 Saturn LW300.

"For reasons under investigation, the motorcyclist passed through the intersection with Hammack Avenue and changed lanes, approaching the rear of the Saturn. The motorcyclist failed to slow, and collided with the Saturn," Lassig said.

According to CHP, Good Samaritans stopped and rendered assistance. However, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department medics arrived and determined the rider had died at the scene.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Coroner's was called, and CHP officers were investigating the crash.

Westbound 74 was blocked from traffic for much of Thursday.

"The CHP Temecula area is conducting the collision investigation," Lassig said. "Witnesses are urged to contact the CHP at 951-466-4300."

The CHP would like to remind motorcyclists to obey speed laws and properly wear a Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle helmet.