PEABODY - State police said high speed was the likely cause of a motorcycle crash Saturday evening on Route 128 that killed a 59-year-old Gloucester man.
David L. Allen died at the scene of the crash in the breakdown lane of the highway's northbound side, just before the Route 1 exit.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred shortly before 7 p.m.
State police Lt. Eric Anderson said Allen was riding his 1989 Honda motorcycle in the far right lane when he lost control and crashed in the breakdown lane, striking the guardrail.
"Allen sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene," a press release from the state police said.
Anderson said Allen's family visited the scene shortly after the crash.
Along with the state police, Peabody and Lynnfield fire departments responded to the crash.
The crash is under investigation by the state police.
The Allen family could not be reached for comment.
No one answered when a reporter knocked on the door of his Riverside Avenue home yesterday evening. A sign on the front door directed visitors to the back door, and the house was dark inside late yesterday afternoon.
A fat, floppy-eared tan rabbit was living on the back porch, penned in with white plastic fencing. He had a shelter, some wood to climb on and lawn ornaments to look at.
Staff Writer Douglas Moser contributed to this report.
