1 Motorcyclist Killed, 1 Hurt in Freeway Crash

A 41-year-old North Hollywood man was killed Sunday night when the motorcycle he was riding struck a van on the eastbound Ventura Freeway, authorities said.

The man and a friend were riding motorcycles in the freeway’s right lane near De Soto Avenue about 10:30 p.m. when the accident occurred, said California Highway Patrol Officer T.J. Roman.

The deceased man’s name was not released pending notification of his family. Roman refused to release the names of the other motorcyclist and the van’s driver.

Both motorcyclists were traveling at a high rate of speed, Roman said. The rider who died was attempting to pass a vehicle in front of him and moved into the lane to his left. When he attempted to move back into the right lane, he struck the van and was knocked off the motorcycle, Roman said.

He came to rest in the right lane. His friend, a 26-year-old North Hollywood man, struck him and also was thrown from his motorcycle, Roman said. Both riders and motorcycles ended up on the freeway’s right shoulder.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, Roman said. The other rider was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center with moderate injuries. The van’s driver, a 32-year-old man, was not injured.