Motorcyclist Dies On 57 Freeway In Lane-Splitting Crash

BREA, CA — Traffic was brought to a standstill Wednesday morning after a crash on the Southbound 57 Freeway in Brea, police said. A 29-year-old motorcyclist from Lakewood died in the crash that blocked three lanes and halted traffic for miles at rush hour.

The crash occurred at Imperial Highway shortly after 7 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

"The rider entered the southbound 57 freeway from Lambert Road," CHP Officer Florentino Olivera told Patch.

As he got on the freeway, the rider attempted to split lanes between two semi-truck trailers, Olivera said. He collided with one, and then another ran him over, ending his life. Paramedics at the scene pronounced the rider dead, though his identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin.

"Neither truck stopped," he said. "Though it is possible that the drivers were unaware of what happened, as of this moment, the traffic collision is considered a felony hit and run."

One was described as black and the other was described as green and white. Information was not immediately available on the identity of the fatally injured motorcyclist.

Authorities urged the truckers or any possible witnesses to the crash to call CHP Officer Primeaux at 714-567-6000.

This is a developing report. More information will be added as it is released.