CHP identifies motorcyclist in River Road fatal crash

A head on collision on River Road south of Pine Canyon Road has left one motorcyclist dead.

According to the California Highway Patrol, 51-year-old James Andrew Smith of Monterey was driving his 2015 Harley Davidson northbound on River Road when a 2000 Honda Accord attempted to make a right turn in front of him. The two collided head on, Smith was ejected from his motorcycle and died on scene.

The accident took place on Saturday around 10:50 a.m.

The driver of the Honda was 36-year-old Cristobal B. Tapia of Salinas. CHP said Tapia didn’t suffer any injuries.

CHP doesn’t believe drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash.