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Editor's Note: Police initially said the victim was 21 years old. He is 20 years old.WEST VALLEY CITY — A West Valley motorcyclist was killed in a collision at a busy intersection Wednesday.
The crash happened about 6:30 a.m. at 5600 West and 5400 South. Unified Police Lt. Lex Bell said the traffic light was yellow and about to turn red when a motorcycle traveling north on 5600 West accelerated. A full-size 15-passenger van waiting to turn left onto 5400 South also saw the light turn yellow and began making the turn, Bell said.
"The motorcycle impacted the rear, right on the passenger side of that van and hit it so hard that it spun the full-size van around," he said. "The rider was thrown from the bike."
The motorcycle burst into flames after falling to the ground, Bell said. The crash was witnessed by a Unified police officer who was stopped at the traffic light. Bell said the officer could hear the motorcycle accelerating from a distance to try and make the light.
The intersection at 5400 South and 5600 West remains closed NB/EB/WB directions due to car vs motorcycle crash. pic.twitter.com/w4HkiCI87z
— Heather Kelly (@KSLHeatherKelly) July 20, 2016
The officer immediately began administering first aid to the motorcyclist, Stone Feather Donald Brisbane, 20, who was wearing a helmet and protective gear, until an ambulance arrived. Brisbane, of West Valley City, suffered extensive injuries, however, and died en route to the hospital.
The driver and a passenger in the van were not injured.
Police say drivers should remember that if you have to accelerate to make a traffic light before it turns red, it's better to hit the brakes instead.
