A fatal motorcycle accident claimed the life of a local man along a busy Phoenix interstate. Authorities had to shut down a section of northbound Interstate 17 near Union Hills Drive following the incident that occurred Wednesday night, around 7:30 p.m., as reported by ABC15.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety released little information regarding the cause of the crash. The motorcyclist, caught in the tragic event, that claimed his life, has since been identified by police as 33-year-old Nathan Manley Crumpler. Having struck a raised curb, he lost control of his vehicle which led to the crash, according to investigators quoted by AZFamily.

The road remained closed at Union Hills Drive in Phoenix, prompting diversions with all traffic being directed to exit at Yorkshire Drive. This closure was to facilitate the investigation into what transpired on that stretch of freeway during the evening hours. The traffic disruption was also broadcasted to the public via a social media post from the Arizona Department of Transportation, which included links to their AZ511 app for current road and traffic information.

Response to the scene was swift as officers and paramedics hurried Crumpler to the hospital, where, despite their efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. Police are still delving into the factors that precipitated Crumpler's fatal misfortune, looking to piece together the moments that unraveled before the fatal impact. Citizens with information on the crash, or those in possession of pertinent photos or videos, have been urged by AZFamily to come forward to assist with ongoing inquiries.