Motorcyclist dies in early morning crash

PIERCE COUNTY -- A 23-year-old motorcyclist died when he lost control of his bike while speeding down State Route 7 Friday morning, the Washington State Patrol said.

According to the state patrol, the 23-year-old driver was riding his 2013 Kawasaki ZX636 southbound on SR-7 near Roy around 12:30 a.m. when he lost control of his bike and struck a guardrail.

He was transported to the scene but pronounced dead at the hospital.

The road was fully blocked but has since reopened.

Despite other media reports, he was not fleeing police.

The Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash.