Motorcyclist killed in SR 347 accident

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A two-vehicle collision at about 7 a.m. yesterday claimed the life of a Maricopa man.

Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves said Bernie Pittman, 54, was traveling in the right lane of northbound State Route 347 when his motorcycle collided with a Volkswagen sport utility vehicle turning left onto Louis Johnson Road from southbound SR 347.

Pittman, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver of the SUV, 53-year-old Ginger Claudette Ray of Queen Creek, was taken to Chandler Regional Medical Center for treatment.

“The driver of the Volkswagen will be at fault in this collision,” Graves said. “She will be cited, but it's an ongoing investigation.”

Graves said neither excessive speed nor impairment are suspected.