Motorcyclist dies in Phoenix crash, SUV driver injured

PHOENIX - Phoenix police are investigating a serious crash near 27th Avenue and Northern that left a motorcyclist dead and another driver injured.

Authorities say the male motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed when he collided with an SUV at around 1:30 a.m. Friday morning. 

The motorcyclist, 38-year-old Charles Hansen, died from his injuries at the scene.

"Early information indicates the victim was driving east on Northern Avenue when the SUV turned in front of him," said Sgt. Brian Bower with Phoenix Police.

The female driver of the SUV was hospitalized but is expected to survive. She had to be cut out of her vehicle.

Northern Avenue was closed between 28th and 31st Avenue.

Crash captured on surveillance video

A neighbor whose home video cameras captured the crash said the motorcycle was speeding right before impact.

"My camera showed that the car was coming this way and the bike was going that way and the bike got hit, and then I see him laying in the street," said Donovan Avenetti.

Avenetti says it's hard to watch the footage, as his camera shows the moments after the collision, a few hundred yards away from his front door.

"There are a bunch of people that came around the vehicle and then the helicopter was actually the first on scene," Avenetti explained.

Avenetti also rides a motorcycle that he stores in his backyard, though for now, he feels it's too dangerous to take it out on the road.

"Definitely a wake-up call, you never know, tomorrow’s never promised to nobody," he said. "You always got to be safe. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best rider in the world, not everybody is the best driver."

Area where the crash happened: