A California-based sailor died late last month in a motorcycle crash outside Monterey, police confirmed Monday.
Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Nicholas C. Lovelace, 24, was riding a 2018 Harley Davidson early on May 25 east on Canyon Del Rey Road through the town of Del Rey Oaks, according to police spokesman Cmdr. Chris Bourquin, who said officers were dispatched to the accident just before 5 a.m.
As he neared the intersection with Highway 68, Lovelace went off the road and struck a traffic signal pole and control box, Bourquin said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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While the crash remains under investigation, Bourquin said Lovelace was traveling “at a high speed.”
The Florida native was assigned to the Merlins of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 at Naval Air Station North Island, just outside San Diego, according to his service records.
He enlisted in 2012 and pinned on second class in 2016.
Lovelace became at least the 18th sailor to die in a private motor vehicle accident since the federal fiscal year began on Oct. 1, according to Navy records.
Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.
