Officials are investigating two crashes involving motorcycles in the Valley on Thursday morning, including a deadly crash along Loop 303.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say the crash occurred in the median near Happy Valley Road. A motorcyclist, identified by officials Friday as off-duty Glendale police officer Jesse Rodriguez, died at the scene.
Rodriguez, 27, served with the department since August 2022 and leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.
"Although Officer Rodriguez was with our department a short time, his impact with us will last a lifetime," said Glendale police, in a statement.
What led to the crash is under investigation, but DPS says no other vehicles were involved.
No further information was immediately available.
A separate crash involving a motorcycle happened earlier in the morning on Thursday near Ahwatukee.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say the crash happened near Elliot Road along westbound Interstate 10 before 5 a.m.
The crash caused a lengthy traffic backup in the area with only one lane open to traffic.
DPS did not immediately provide details about what led to the crash or whether there were any injuries.
