Victim in fatal high-speed Arden Arcade motorcycle crash identified by family

The victim in Sunday’s fatal Arden Arcade motorcycle crash has been identified by family members.

Gary Kenneth Smith Sr. of Sacramento was identified by one of his four sons. Smith died after a high-speed collision near the intersection of Watt Avenue and Kentfield Drive.

The North Sacramento-area California Highway Patrol previously reported that Smith, 48, was driving southbound on Watt Avenue on a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle around 70 miles per hour, and ran through a red light at the intersection, ramming a Hyundai Elantra.

He suffered major injuries and was taken by Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District first responders to a hospital, where he died.

The driver of the Hyundai remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. No arrests were made.

CHP is still looking into the collision and will be using traffic cameras in their investigation.

“He was a very strong individual that had to deal with a lot in his life,” said his son, Preston Smith. “What happened was probably a result of him being distracted.”

Preston Smith said family and friends will be hosting a candlelight vigil near the site of the crash Wednesday evening.

CHP is asking anyone who witnessed the collision to call 916-348-2300.

This story was originally published December 11, 2019 at 2:03 PM.