West Covina man killed in motorcycle crash

WEST COVINA >> A West Covina man died early Thursday morning when he apparently lost control of his motorcycle and hit a chain link fence.
Joseph Louis Surita, 25, was pronounced dead at 1:53 a.m. at the scene of the crash at Barranca Street and Cameron Avenue, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Chief of Operations Craig Harvey said.
The fatal, solo-vehicle crash was first reported at 1:43 a.m. by a passerby who spotted Surita and his motorcycle lying on the ground, West Covina police Sgt. Keith Shishido said. No witnesses to the crash had been found Thursday afternoon, and police were seeking anyone who saw what happened.
Police said Surita was riding a Suzuki GSX-R south on Barranca Avenue at “a high rate of speed” prior to the crash.
“As he approached the intersection with Cameron Avenue, he somehow lost control of the motorcycle,” Shishido said.
The sergeant said the motorcycle tipped over and slid, along with the rider, through the T-intersection, the sergeant said. He struck a the curb along the south side of Cameron Avenue, then a chain link fence bordering the South Hills Country Club.
“He was ejected at some point and time,” Shishido said.
Coroner’s Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said the coroner’s office took the body away before students arrived at nearby South Hills High School.
Police are looking for witnesses to the crash. Though it was unclear exactly what time the crash took place, Shishida said because the intersection where the crash occurred is heavily travelled, the crash likely did not go unreported for long.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Cpl. Mike Weathermon of the West Covina Traffic Department at 626-939-8589.

– Ruby Gonzales and Brian Day

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One thought on “West Covina man killed in motorcycle crash

  1. Joseph was a great man, friend, son, brother, Marine, and father. He leaves behind his young family. If anyone is interested in helping the family, during this very difficult time, the go fund me link for Josephs final expenses is below.

    http://www.gofundme.com/f46crg

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