A 79-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash on Route 981 near Latrobe on Friday afternoon, according to the Westmoreland County coroner.

Bruce Santella of Latrobe was traveling southbound on a 2011 Harley-Davidson Triglide when his bike hit the center median, causing him to lose control, according to Coroner Tim Carson. He was thrown from the bike.

Santella was taken to Latrobe Hospital where he died a short time later of blunt force injuries. Carson ruled that the death was accidental.

First responders received a call about the incident shortly before 5:30 p.m.

The road reopened shortly before 7 p.m. The had been closed in both directions between Route 30 and Terry Way.

State police are investigating the incident.

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