Young motorcyclist killed after crashing into truck, police say

A young motorcyclist who crashed into a truck died shortly after arriving at Mountainview Regional Medical Center, Las Cruces Police said.

The crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 on Mesa Grande Drive near the intersection of Calle Pastura. Officers learned the crash involved a Yamaha motorcycle and a Freightliner panel truck.

The 19-year-old man driving the motorcycle was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said. Police are withholding his name until next of kin are notified.

Police said a preliminary investigation indicates the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed north on Mesa Grande when he struck the side of the panel truck turning south onto Mesa Grande from Calle Pastura.

The driver of the panel truck was not injured.

The investigation is ongoing and no citations have been issued.

Traffic along Mesa Grande is temporarily blocked between Calle Verde and Engler Road.

Motorists who must travel in that area are asked to seek an alternative route.