LA VERNE — A 29-year-old man died following a motorcycle crash early Thursday after being cut off by a van on the 210 Freeway, authorities said.

James Chappell was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the 6:55 a.m. crash on the westbound 210 Freeway, just east of Fruit Street, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Dulong said. His address was listed in Crescent City, though he was believed to have been staying with family in Upland.

Chappell was riding hi 2002 Honda CBR600 motorcycle in the carpool lane at an undetermined speed prior to the crash, Dulong said.

Ahead of him and in the freeway’s fast lane, a 58-year-old Claremont man was driving a 2010 Ford E-350 van at 65 to 70 mph, the sergeant said.

“The van approached slower-moving traffic, braked and then changed into the carpool lane, crossing the double yellow line, directly into the path of the motorcyclist,” Dulong said.

Chappell was unable to avoid a collision and crashed into the rear of the van, he said.

Despite wearing a helmet, Chappell suffered major injuries including head injuries, according to Dulong. He was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The crash was being investigated by the Baldwin Park office of the California Highway Patrol. No arrests or citations had been made.

The wreckage blocked the carpool and fast lane of the westbound freeway for more than an hour as rescuers tended to the injured rider and CHP officers investigated the scene, CHP Officer Ed Jacobs said.