MILAM COUNTY, TX. (THECOUNT) — Michael Tyler Morton, of Austin, Texas, has been identified as the victim in a fatal motorcycle crash Thursday morning near Rockdale, according to authorities. Morton was 34.
The collision occurred at approximately 6:11 a.m. Thursday, May 14, along U.S. Highway 79 near Milam County Road 234 outside Rockdale in Central Texas.
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According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Morton was operating a 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 79 when the fatal crash occurred.
Investigators said Morton veered into the eastbound lane of traffic and collided with a 2013 Ford Taurus.
Authorities confirmed Morton sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
Morton was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the crash site shortly after the collision was reported Thursday morning.
The driver and passenger inside the Ford Taurus sustained injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening.
Both occupants of the Taurus were transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple for treatment.
Officials have not publicly released the identities of the driver or passenger in the Taurus.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Authorities have not publicly stated what caused Morton to cross into the opposing lane of travel.
Investigators also have not released information regarding whether speed, impairment, medical issues, roadway conditions, or visibility factors may have contributed to the collision.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether Morton was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Traffic along U.S. Highway 79 near Milam County Road 234 was affected Thursday morning while troopers documented evidence, examined the scene, and removed damaged vehicles from the roadway.
U.S. Highway 79 is a major east-west route through Milam County connecting communities including Rockdale, Hearne, and Round Rock.
Head-on collisions involving motorcycles frequently result in fatal injuries because riders lack the structural protection available to occupants inside passenger vehicles.
The investigation remains active.
Additional information may be released as DPS troopers continue reviewing evidence connected to the collision.
Google Maps: U.S. Highway 79 near Milam County Road 234, Rockdale, Texas
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