A 54-year-old Denair motorcyclist was killed early Sunday in a solo crash along Highway 99.

The deceased was identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as David Tarone.

The fatal crash occurred around 1 a.m. Sunday on the southbound highway, just north of Taylor Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Tarone was traveling at a high rate of speed in the left lane when his 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle began to drift across the other lanes.

The motorcycle veered across the center and right lanes and onto the shoulder, where Tarone lost control of the vehicle.

The motorcycle struck a chain-link fence, causing the fatal injuries. Tarone was pronounced dead at the scene.

The CHP is investigating the case and said alcohol or drugs may have played a factor in the collision.