Motorcyclist Dies Days After Crashing Into Back Of Truck In Long Beach: Police

LONG BEACH, CA — Detectives are investigating a crash in Long Beach that left a motorcyclist dead back in July, according to police.

Police say the motorcyclist was riding eastbound on Wardlow Road around 8:19 p.m. on July 27, when he crashed into the back of a Dodge Ram truck whose driver was waiting to make a left turn at Walnut Avenue.

The motorcyclist was taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital for treatment after the crash and died from his injuries three days later, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Detectives were notified on Aug. 28 that the man had died. On Monday, police announced the motorcyclist's death in a press release, where they identified him as 65-year-old Long Beach resident Mathew Tadao Nakatsuka.

Nakatsuka may have been speeding prior to the crash, police said. The LBPD asks that anyone who may have witnessed the crash contact detectives at 562-570-7355.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 TIPS" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.