Fatal Motorcycle Crash Closes Ortega Highway

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — California Highway Patrol officers temporarily shut down both sides of the Ortega (74) Highway Thursday, just west of Lake Elsinore, due to a fatal motorcycle crash.

The solo wreck was reported shortly after 5 p.m. near the Lookout.

Both sides of the roadway remained closed as of 5:45 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

Preliminary CHP reports indicate the motorcyclist may have hit a patch of wet road and lost control of the bike.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson Jody Hagemann and CHP dispatch.

The motorcyclist's identity is pending notification of next of kin.