ALCOHOL IS SUSPECTED AS A FACTOR IN A FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT THAT KILLED A 53-YEAR-OLD BAKERSFIELD MAN ON SATURDAY AT AROUND 1:00 P.M. — Alcohol is suspected as a factor in a fatal motorcycle accident that killed a 53-year-old Bakersfield man on Saturday at around 1:00 p.m.

According to the California Highway Patrol, James Dean Steiber was driving his Harley Davidson motorcycle south on Granite Road just south of Highway 155 when he drifted onto the right shoulder and collided with several rocks and boulders. Steiber was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered major injuries.

Due to the remote location of the accident, rescue crews were dispatched by air ambulance, but Steiber was declared dead at the scene of the accident.

The CHP says it appears alcohol was a factor in the accident, but it remains under investigation.