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TAYLORSVILLE — A motorcyclist died Friday evening in a crash about 6 p.m. on I-215, according to Utah Highway Patrol.
The crash closed northbound I-215 at the eastbound 4700 South on-ramp for several hours but was reopened by 10:30 p.m.
The motorcyclist was entering the freeway from 4700 South when the driver lost control and the bike went down, causing the driver to slide into the freeway where they were hit by oncoming traffic, according to UHP Sgt. Alan Jensen.
The motorcyclist was struck by a sedan and died on scene, Jensen said. The motorcyclist was identified Monday as Ernie F. Huerta-Rodriguez, 24, of Salt Lake City, according to UHP Sgt. Nick Street.
The driver of the sedan was uninjured and no other vehicles were involved in the wreck.
The motorcycle was trapped under the sedan when it burst into flames, catching the car on fire as well, Jensen said. In addition to debris on the roadway, the fire caused the entire freeway to be shut down.
Troopers are still investigating the crash; Jensen said the motorcyclist had a helmet but troopers don’t know if it was being worn properly.
