17-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed In Beaumont-Area Crash

BEAUMONT, CA — A teen motorcyclist was killed this week in the Beaumont area after illegally passing a car that was attempting to make a left turn, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The teen, identified only as a 17-year-old male, died Tuesday at Loma Linda University Medical Center about one hour after the 5:55 p.m. crash, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner. The agency said the teen's name will be released once positive identification and notification of next-of-kin are completed.

The fatal wreck occurred on Cherry Valley Boulevard, west of Union Road, near Hannon Road, according to CHP Officer Jason Montez.

The teen was riding a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle eastbound on Cherry Valley Boulevard "at a high rate of speed" when he approached a stopped Nissan Sentra in eastbound lanes that was attempting to make a legal left turn onto a private driveway, Montez explained.

The Sentra had its turn signal on, but the motorcyclist decided to pass to the left of the sedan. At the same time, the car's driver made the turn and the two vehicles collided, according to Montez.

The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries that he did not survive.

The 54-year-old Thermal woman behind the wheel of the Sentra was uninjured, according to Montez.

The motorcyclist crossed over a double yellow line — the line on his side was solid, which means passing was not allowed, though left turns are, Montez explained.

The fatal crash remains under investigation by the CHP.