Motorcyclist killed during crash with construction tractor in Riverside County

A 67-year-old motorcyclist was killed during a crash involving a construction tractor in the Winchester area of Riverside County on Thursday. 

The crash happened a little after 2 p.m. at the intersection of Leon Road and Domenigoni Parkway, according to the California Highway Patrol. 

Officers say that the motorcyclist, identified as Hemet man Walter Sallman, was traveling eastbound on Domenigoni while riding a Yamaha V-Star when he collided with a John Deere tractor, which was performing construction work in the area, crossed Leon Road from north to south. 

"For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Yamaha collided with the tractor," CHP officers said. "Due to the impact, the rider was thrown off the motorcycle, and he came to rest within the intersection."

Paramedics with the Riverside County Fire Department declared Sallman dead at the scene. 

The 31-year-old man driving the tractor was uninjured in the crash. He was questioned at the scene but not arrested, CHP said. 

A portion of the intersection was closed for several hours due to the investigation. 

Investigators are unsure if speed, drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. 

Anyone who knows more is asked to contact CHP investigators at (951) 846-5300.