PORTLAND, Maine — A Biddeford man died Thursday morning after losing control of his motorcycle and hitting a tree, according to a statement from Portland police.
John Fontaine, 38, was the lone occupant of the 2003 Harley Davidson, and he was not wearing a helmet, according to the statement. The motorcycle caught fire after hitting the tree.
Just before the crash, a Portland officer witnessed the bike traveling at a high rate of speed on Brighton Avenue. He attempted to stop it but lost sight of the bike as it approached Rosemont Court.
Seconds after giving up efforts to catch the motorcycle, motorcyclists at the intersection of Brighton and Stevens Avenues pointed out the accident to the officer, the statement said.
Initial investigation indicates speed was a factor in the crash.
