Update, March 24, 4:15 p.m.: East Hampton Town Police Capt. Chris Anderson said Thursday afternoon that police "believe that speed was a contributing factor in the collision" that claimed the life of Jefferson D. Eames on Wednesday evening. A witness told police that Mr. Eames was heading north "on Accabonac when he overtook another northbound vehicle," Captain Anderson said. "Upon returning to the northbound lane, the motorcycle left the paved portion of the roadway on the south side, when it collided with a tree."
Police are investigating whether drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the early evening crash, according to the captain.
Original, March 24, 10 a.m.: A motorcycle accident on Accabonac Road in East Hampton Wednesday evening claimed the life of Jefferson D. Eames, 53, of Springs.
According to town police, Mr. Eames was headed north on a 2011 Yamaha motorcycle near Banks Court just after 6:30, "when he veered off the roadway and struck a tree." An East Hampton ambulance rushed Mr. Eames to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, "where he succumbed to his injuries," police said.
The road was closed after the accident, as police investigated. The investigation is ongoing, and East Hampton Town detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 631-537-7575. Police said "all calls will be kept confidential."