Menifee motorcyclist dies in accident on 60 Freeway

A Menifee man riding a motorcycle on the 60 Freeway died Sunday morning when he was involved in a traffic accident involving another driver suspected of DUI, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The victim was identified by the Coroner's Office as Tonga Tavake, 59. The CHP report states that he was thrown from his motorcycle in the accident, which reportedly was caused when a 2006 Volkswagen collided with the center divider wall on the westbound 60 Freeway about a quarter-mile west of Valley Way in Jurupa Valley about 4:07 a.m.

The victim was lying in the traffic lanes and was struck by several motorists, according to the CHP. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation indicated the driver of the Volkswagen, a 24-year-old male resident of Corona, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. The driver, who has not been named, was subsequently arrested and will be charged with felony DUI/vehicular manslaughter.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact the Riverside California Highway Patrol Accident Investigation Unit at 951-637-8000.