Monday morning’s two-vehicle collision at the intersection of University Avenue and Las Alturas Drive proved to be fatal for the motorcyclist.
The 20-year-old motorcyclist was unresponsive when first responders arrived at the crash which occurred about 9:50 a.m. on Monday, July 30. The motorcyclist, identified as Christopher Jason McDonald of Anthony, N.M., was transported to the nearby Memorial Medical Center but was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Las Cruces Police Department traffic investigators learned the 2006 Honda sportbike was traveling east on University Avenue while the 2016 silver Mercedes was headed west. Witnesses indicated that as the Mercedes turned south, toward Las Alturas Drive, it was struck broadside by the motorcycle. Witnesses indicated the motorcyclist may have accelerated in an attempt to clear the intersection before the traffic light turned red.
McDonald was wearing a helmet, but it did little to prevent his injuries. Speed is considered to be a contributing factor in the crash.
The driver of the Mercedes, a 58-year-old man, was not physically injured. No citations or charges are expected to be filed.
Information from Las Cruces Police