BIG WATER, Kane County — A Massachusetts motorcyclist died Monday in a collision with a tour bus on U.S. 89, authorities confirmed.
According to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), a Yamaha motorcycle was traveling north and had recently crossed into Utah from Arizona. The bus, carrying 29 tourists from the United Kingdom, was also heading north when the crash occurred.
Police reported that Joseph Johnston, 45, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, slowed on the right shoulder before making a U-turn without yielding to the approaching bus. The motorcycle was struck in a T-bone collision by the bus.
The tour bus skidded before coming to rest, with the motorcycle trapped under its front bumper. Johnston was ejected from the bike and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The bus driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he was released shortly after, UHP said. The tour group was en route to Kanab for the night.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and U.S. 89 experienced lane closures during the response.