Motorcyclist dies after Costa Mesa collision

A motorcyclist died Tuesday night after he collided with an SUV in Costa Mesa, according to police.

Authorities identified the cyclist as Richard Williams, 23, from Lebanon, Texas.

Police said the motorcycle was traveling at high speeds south on Santa Ana Avenue at about 6:30 p.m. when a Jeep Laredo pulled in front of it at Walnut Street.

The Kawasaki ZX1000 motorcycle crashed into the driver’s side of the Jeep, leaving Williams in critical condition, police said.

Paramedics took Williams to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 7:30 p.m., according to the Orange County coroner’s office and police.

Police noted that the intersection where the crash occurred does not have stop signs for traffic on Santa Ana Avenue, though it does have them for vehicles traveling either way on Walnut Street.

Officers interviewed the Jeep’s driver and released him at the scene, police said.

The driver did not show any signs of impairment, they added.

Investigators are looking for more witnesses. Police ask that anyone who saw the crash call Darren Wood at (714) 754-5264.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck