Authorities investigating fatal motorcycle crash in Minnetonka, ramp reopens

Authorities were at the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash along southbound Interstate 494 Tuesday morning.

The victim in the crash has been identified by the Minnesota State Patrol as 61-year-old James Mark Smith of Hopkins. According to the crash report, the motorcycle was traveling southbound on I-94 on the exit ramp to eastbound Highway 7 when it lost control and ran off the road.

KSTP Traffic Reporter Josie Smith said the incident occurred near the ramp to eastbound Highway 7 in Minnetonka.

Officials at the scene closed the ramp temporarily as they began investigating. The ramp reopened at about 10:30 a.m.

Southbound Highway 494 to Eastbound Highway 7 ramp in Minnetonka is now open.

— State Patrol PIO (@MSPPIO) April 28, 2020

Smith first reported the crash caused serious injuries, then the Minnesota State Patrol reported the crash was determined to be fatal.

The State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash southbound Highway 494 at Highway 7 in Minnetonka. Southbound Highway 494 ramp to eastbound Highway 7 will be closed for an extended period of time. Info will be posted at https://t.co/H61Hy2CkD2

— State Patrol PIO (@MSPPIO) April 28, 2020

Not good! A motorcycle is down along I-494 SB near the ramp to Hwy 7 EB in Minnetonka. Ramp is closed until further notice. Injuries are serious. https://t.co/wiagwePlXs pic.twitter.com/t1W3AZPd9L

— KSTP Traffic (@kstptraffic) April 28, 2020