A motorcyclist died after losing control in Irvine and his passenger was injured

A man died, and another man was in critical condition after being involved in a solo motorcycle collision, according to the Irvine Police Department.

Today, at 2:21 a.m., the Irvine Police Department (IPD) received reports of a motorcycle collision in the area of Shady Canyon Drive and Quail Hill Parkway. IPD units and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded to the scene.

The initial investigation has determined two men, a 23-year-old and a 20-year-old, were riding together on a Yamaha motorcycle southbound on Shady Canyon towards Quail Hill Parkway. It appears the driver lost control of the motorcycle just before the roundabout. The motorcycle and two people traveled south into the landscaped roundabout and stopped. Investigators are working to determine which rider was in control of the motorcycle. Neither individual involved was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Jotham Daniel Gant, 23, of Irvine, has been identified as the deceased person. The second person, who is not being identified, was transported to a hospital and is in critical condition.

IPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding this collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Christopher Ostrowski at 949-724-7047.