Witnesses say the driver of a motorcycle was trying to avoid an elderly woman crossing the street when he crashed his bike and died Saturday on DeKalb Avenue between Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Throop Avenue.

Neighbors who saw the accident say the 87-year-old woman was not in a crosswalk, but walking between two parked cars and into the street. The motorcycle veered, trying to avoid the woman, but instead slid across the ground killing the driver, hitting the woman and slamming into parked cars.

The impact of the crash was significant, ripping the helmet, shoes and cap off the driver. He was rushed to Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. The woman was also hospitalized, but her condition is unknown.

Witnesses say a car hit the motorcyclist after he struck the pedestrian and then drove off.