A New Mexico man died in motorcycle crash Friday night in south Durango.

The crash occurred about 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of River Road and South Camino del Rio, near The Home Depot.

George Yeager, 64, of Aztec was attempting to turn left from River Road to travel north on South Camino del Rio, said Cmdr. Ray Shupe, spokesman with Durango Police Department.

A Ford pickup heading south on South Camino del Rio, struck the motorcyclist, Shupe said.

The pickup was being driven by Sean O’Brien, 34, of Durango. He was approaching a yellow light at the time of the crash, Shupe said.

O’Brien changed lanes to avoid the motorcyclist but collided with Yeager, who was wearing a helmet.

“Speed was not a factor in the crash,” Shupe said.

Police believe Yeager may have run a red light, Shupe said. He was riding a 1978 Yamaha motorcycle.

Yeager died in the crash.

“There is no suspicion of drugs or alcohol on O’Brien,” Shupe said. “It is unknown if drugs and alcohol are a factor with Yeager. We have an autopsy scheduled and are waiting on a toxicology report.”

Toxicology reports take about six weeks to process.

A Durango police officer was in the area and at the scene within 60 seconds, Shupe said. The Colorado State Patrol assisted.

Yeager’s next of kin have been notified, Shupe said.

smullane@durangoherald.com