Authorities identify motorcyclist killed in Monday crash

Update: The motorcyclist who was killed in a crash on state Route 78 near Sutherland Dam Road on Monday has been identified as Thomas Andrew Grettenberger, 55, of San Diego, according to authorities.

The crash occurred around 4 p.m. as he was traveling on a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on Route 78 behind his friend, reported the county Medical Examiner. When the friend looked back, the decedent was not on the road and was later found unresponsive down an embankment, stated the examiner. A bystander initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation while 9-1-1 was called. Despite aggressive medical intervention by first responders, Grettenberger was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:55 p.m., said the report.

California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Original story: A 55-year-old San Diego man was killed around 4 p,m. Monday when his motorcycle veered off state Route 78, west of Sutherland Dam Road, and hit a chain link fence, reported California Highway Patrol.

The impact caused him to be ejected from the motorcycle and he stuck the pavement, said CHP.

The motorcyclist, who was westbound on Highway 78, hit the fence after failing to negotiate a curve in the roadway, according to CHP. Despite medical attention, he died at the scene, said CHP.

No other vehicles were involved and It appears alcohol or drugs were not factors, said CHP Public Information Officer Kevin Pearlstein, and the collision is under investigation.