Motorcyclist from Canada dies in SR-79 crash

Update:

A 68-year-old man, who lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on State Route 79 about 12:55 p.m. on Nov. 25, died 1 1/2 hours later, according to California Highway Patrol.

The County Medical Examiner’s office lists the victim as Barry Somers, who was visiting California from Canada. CHP Public Information Officer Brian Pennings said the motorcyclist was traveling on Route 79, north of Chihuahua Valley Road, around a left-hand curve at 45-50 mph—where the suggested speed is 35 mph—and failed to negotiate the turn. According to the medical examiner’s report, Somers hit a large dirt embankment, was ejected from his motorcycle, and his helmet was stripped from his head before he hit the ground. He was transported by air to Palomar Medical Center where he died at 2:34 p.m., said Pennings.

Original story:

A motorcyclist was seriously injured Sunday when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed about 12:55 p.m. at 36732 State Route 79 on the way toward Julian, said CHP Officer Robert Catano.

“The motorcyclist was unconscious on the scene when medics resuscitated him with CPR,” Catano said.

The victim was taken to Palomar Medical Center, where he was in serious condition, Catano said.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.