Motorcycle Rider Dies After Crash on Rockaway Turnpike

A 35-year-old motorcycle rider died on Friday on Rockaway Turnpike after another driver apparently cut across the victim’s path of travel, according to police.

At about 8 p.m., the male victim, on his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle, was going south on Rockaway Turnpike, police said. A 72-year-old male driving a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country minivan that was going north then made a left turn in the vicinity of Rugby Road, “cutting across the victim’s path of travel,” according to police

The motorcyclist then struck the rear portion of the minivan, causing him to be ejected from the vehicle and suffering severe head trauma. He was transported to an area hospital and was pronounced deceased at 8:35 pm by a staff physician.

A brake check was conducted at the scene on the 2003 Chrysler minivan and released to the owner. The victim’s motorcycle was impounded for safety checks.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending family notification, police said.