Initial investigation indicates excessive speed was a factor in the crash on May 21st that killed 38 year old John H. Fontaine of Biddeford. The 2003 Harley Davidson he was operating crossed the center line, struck a tree and caught fire.
Moments before the crash, a Portland Police Officer observed a motorcyclist traveling at a very high rate of speed inbound on Brighton Avenue near the intersection of Warwick Street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but lost sight of it as he approached Rosemont Corner.
The officer gave up his effort to catch up to the motorcycle, and shut off the emergency lights and siren.
Seconds later he observed other motorcyclists stopped at the intersection of Brighton and Stevens Avenue. They alerted the officer to the crash just beyond the intersection.
Mr. Fontaine was the sole occupant on the motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
