A 70-year-old man died after he accidentally drove his motorcycle off a cliff Saturday afternoon, authorities say.
The man was driving down South Mountain around 12:40 p.m. with a 70-year-old female passenger when witnesses said he over corrected his motorcycle during a turn and drove off a 45-foot cliff, according to Capt. Hugh Chase of the Phoenix Fire Department.
At the time, the man was riding in a group consisting of 40 to 50 other motorcyclists, Chase said.
The group helped fire crews rescue the man and his female passenger, Chase said, and medical crews transported both to Good Samaritan hospital.
The man died en route to the hospital while the woman was reported to be alert, Chase said.
The man’s family has not been notified and police were not able to release his identity.
I confess to having thoughts of wisecracking based on the headline. But at 70, riding 2-up… I quit riding at night a long time ago, and day rides are rare for me any more. And I’m ten years younger. Rest in peace sir, and my condolences to your partner.
How sad! My condolences to the man’s family, friends & loved ones. God Bless.
I hope I have the spirit to be riding my motorcycle with my wife and 40 to 50 of my closest friends when I am 70.
RIP
Riding at 70 is okay, being careful on where you are riding, paying attention, and riding within your limits is the best safety anyone can have. I am 67 + and still riding with 2 up, and we ride with many folks in Mesa who are much older than us. It only takes a second of inattention and accidents can happen especially on a motorcycle. My condolences to him and his family and passenger. Ride free.
This man was my mentor. One of my greatest friends. I know that we did everything we could to save him. He will be sorely missed as he spends eternity in a happier place.
70 years old and in the wind, God bless his soul and prayers for his passenger.