Troopers identify motorcyclist killed in crash with tour bus in Kane County

BIG WATER, Kane County — Police have identified aMassachusetts man who died Monday when he collided with a bus.

A Yamaha motorcycle was traveling north on U.S. 89 and had just crossed into Utah from Arizona. Behind the motorcycle, a Van Hool tour bus with 29 occupants was also traveling north, police have said.

The motorcyclist, identified by authorities on Wednesday as Joseph Johnston, 45, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, pulled to the right shoulder, slowed down, then turned left in a U-turn, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

"The Yamaha failed to yield to the tour bus approaching from behind. The Yamaha was impacted in a T-bone collision by the front driver side of the bus," the UHP said.

The tour bus skidded before coming to a rest, with the Yamaha under its front right bumper. Johnston was ejected from his bike and died at the scene.

The bus driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries and released shortly after, according to UHP. The tour group, which was transporting tourists from the United Kingdom, was headed to Kanab for the night, UHP Lt. Cameron Roden said.

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