A Tucson Police Department crime scene investigator photographs the scene of a collision involving a motorcycle and passenger vehicle at the intersection of South Kino Parkway and East Benson Highway on May 4, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz. The rider was transported with serious injuries and the intersection will be closed for several hours. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

A motorcyclist who was struck by an SUV in an intersection on Tucson's south side Thursday was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The motorcyclist was identified as Oswaldo Lopez, 45, said Sgt. Kimberly Bay, a Tucson Police Department spokeswoman. Lopez was wearing a helmet.

Shortly before 1 p.m., officers responded to a crash on South Campbell Avenue and East Benson Highway and found a motorcyclist with life-threatening injuries.

Tucson Fire paramedics transported the motorcyclist to Banner-University Medical Center Tucson were he was pronounced dead, said Bay.

Traffic detectives determined that Lopez was riding a black 2006 Suzuki motorcycle north on Campbell Avenue approaching East Benson Highway on a green light, Bay said.

A driver of a silver 2001 Toyota SUV was traveling south on Campbell and made an eastbound turn onto Benson Highway, striking Lopez, said Bay.

Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. The investigation is continuing.

Since January, there have been 22 traffic fatalities in the city, compared to 15 at this time last year, according to police data. 

   


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Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. On Twitter: @cduartestar