Motorcyclist dies after crash on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa

A motorcyclist died from his injuries Sunday morning after being thrown from his bike following a crash on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa.

The motorcyclist was traveling east on the highway on a blue 2007 Suzuki at about 9:20 p.m. Saturday when a white 2015 Honda Civic turned onto the road from a driveway near Indian Creek Drive, Santa Rosa police said. Witnesses said the motorcycle was traveling at high speed. It struck the rear end of the car, throwing the motorcyclist, police said.

The Honda driver never saw the motorcycle before pulling out into traffic, police said in a statement.

When officers arrived, an off-duty Santa Rosa firefighter was attending to the motorcyclist, who was unresponsive. The injured rider was taken to a Santa Rosa hospital where he later died.

The motorcyclist’s identity wasn’t released, pending notification of next of kin.

Police said they’re investigating whether alcohol, drugs or speed were factors in the collision.

The driver and passengers of the Honda were not injured, and their names were withheld while the investigation continues.

Eastbound Highway 12 near Indian Creek Drive was closed for several hours Saturday night.

Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Santa Rosa Police Officer Jeff Adams at 707-543-3636.

You can reach Staff Writer Dan Taylor at 521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @danarts.