Motorcyclist killed identified as Somersworth man

Debris from the Susuki motorcycle speaks to the severity of impact. (Maine State Police photo)

LEBANON - Excessive speed and unfamiliarity with the road are being blamed in a fatal motorcycle accident in Lebanon late Saturday night.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Lower Cross and Center roads around 10:40 p.m.

Matthew Goodwin, 26, of Somersworth, N.H., died at the scene. He was riding a 2006 Suzuki 650 motorcycle.

State Police say it appears Goodwin was headed west on Lower Cross Road and that the motorcycle skidded on its side, crossing the intersection of Center Road before slamming into trees and rocks.

Today amid a small remaining debris field of plastic and glass, a makeshift shrine of red and black and yellow balloons, flowers and packs of cigarettes had been erected.

The homeowner who lives directly behind where the accident occurred said she didn't hear the crash, but learned of the accident after she heard her neighbor call for help as he performed CPR on the victim.

A makeshift shrine where a Somersworth motorcyclist died Saturday night at the corner of Lower Cross and Center roads in Lebanon. (Lebanon Voice photo)

State Police Trooper Jason Wing said while it appears speed and unfamiliarity with the road were major factors, a blood test will be done to determine if alcohol was also involved.

Goodwin was not wearing a helmet, according to police.

Troopers are now trying to determine where the victim was earlier in the evening. Anyone with info is asked to call Maine State Police in Gray at 207-657-3030 and speak with Wing.

Saturday night's motorcycle fatal is the 27th this year in Maine and comes just a week after a Farmington, N.H., motorcyclist died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash at the intersection of Route 202 and River Road.

The accident is eerily familiar to a double fatal that occurred in Lebanon at the corner of Upper Cross and Center roads three years ago in which two lifelong friends, James Ham and Bill Barker, tragically died when they crashed their vehicle into rocks and trees after failing to stop at the Center Road stop sign on Sept. 16, 2012.