Local veteran killed in crash near Highway 1
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) -- A 31-year-old military veteran has been identified as the motorcyclist killed in a solo-crash on the Highway 1 and 68 interchange Monday night.
The Monterey County Coroner's office confirms Ryan Sparks of Salinas was killed in that crash.
According to a friend of his, Sparks was army infantry and went to Iraq. The friend also says Sparks just celebrated his wedding anniversary March 14th.
A social media post by American Legion Riders Chapter 31 - Monterey County says that in Sparks passing he leaves behind a wife and two children.
"[Our] Condolences are extended to his family and his circle of friends," the post reads. "Black Sheep, we will do everything we can to provide care and comfort to Ryan's family."
As for the investigation, the CHP says they are not sure exactly how the crash happened at this time.
All investigators can confirm is that for some unknown reason, Sparks' motorcycle went crashing into a guardrail at the Highway 1 and 68 interchange in Monterey.
Another friend referred to Sparks as a "seasoned" motorcycle rider as well.
ORIGINAL STORY
California Highway Patrol officers are on scene at a deadly crash involving a motorcyclist Monday night.
CHP confirms this was a solo crash and are closing down the interchange at westbound Highway 68 and northbound Highway 1 as they continue to investigate.
CHP is diverting traffic onto Fremont at this time with no estimated time for reopening the road.
At this time, investigators do not know how this crash happened and are waiting for a coroner to arrive on scene. They also confirmed damage to a guardrail in the area.
This is a developing story.
