Motorcyclist dies after crashing into SUV

A Waterford man died as a result of a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Highland Road and Hillcliff in Waterford Township on Saturday, April 9.

A police investigation reportedly revealed that the 24-year-old Waterford man, identified as Matthew Bryan Ortega, was traveling eastbound on Highland Road on a 2003 Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle when he ran into the back of a 2005 BMW X-5 SUV, driven by a 34-year-old Erie, Penn. man.

Apparently the motorcycle was moving at a high rate of speed toward the BMW, which was slowing down in traffic. Ortega reportedly locked up his bike’s brakes, causing the motorcycle to careen down on its side and strike the rear of the BMW.

Ortega was transported to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries. The driver and two passengers in the BMW were not injured.

The accident remains under investigation. It’s unknown at this time whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, according to a Waterford police press release.

All occupants of the BMW were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, and Ortega was wearing a helmet.