From KITSAP NEWS Reports

Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the death of a 20-year-old motorcycle rider involved in a crash just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Sheriff’s deputies and crews from the Poulsbo Fire Department responded to the crash in the 14300 block of Silverdale Way NW, south of Mountain View Road, between Silverdale and Poulsbo.

Marine Pfc. Christopher Masdonati of Thornton, Calif., was declared dead at the scene. Masdonati was assigned to the Marine Corps Security Force Company at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

Although the investigation into the crash is in its early stages, a preliminary analysis by deputies indicates the 2006 Honda motorcycle was seen traveling northbound on Silverdale Way at a high rate of speed. The man appeared to have lost control of the motorcycle in a curve and the motorcycle left the east side of the roadway and struck a tree, according to police reports. The man was ejected into two steel guidewires supporting a utility pole.

Just prior to the collision, a deputy observed the motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed and alerted 911 dispatch.

The motorcycle passed the deputy in his patrol car and the deputy prepared to conduct a traffic stop of the motorcycle. Before he could initiate the stop, the deputy lost sight of the motorcycle, according to reports. Moments later, people in the vicinity of Mountain View Road and Silverdale Way reported the crash.

The Kitsap County Coroner determined Masdonati died from multiple internal injuries due to blunt force trauma. The manner of death is listed as accidental, according to reports.

The investigation continues. Those who may have witnessed or have information about the crash are asked to contact Deputy Rick Cowell, sheriff’s traffic unit, at (360) 337-4634.