EAST OF BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- An elderly man died early Wednesday evening, after his motorcycle crashed on westbound 58 just east of Hart Flat Road around 6:45 p.m.

The cause of the crash was not known as of that evening, but it appeared the 65-year-old Merle Adams from Clearlake either straightened out or lost control on a curve. Adams and his Harley-Davidson skidded 75 to 100 feet on the highway.

Witnesses going eastbound saw Adams and turned around to help him.

The California Highway Patrol said alcohol was not involved and Adams was wearing his helmet. They are still investigating.