AVON - A Phillips man died Tuesday night after the motorcycle he was driving failed to maneuver a curve in the S-turns on Route 4 just north of the Strong line.

John Tooker, 56, was southbound on the road on a 2002 Honda when the accident occurred, Franklin County Sheriff's Lt. Niles Yeaton said Wednesday.

Tooker, who was not wearing a helmet, landed on some rocks and received severe head trauma, Yeaton said.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department received a 911 telephone call at 9:23 p.m. reporting the accident, according to a statement issued early Wednesday by Franklin County Sheriff's Department.

Tooker and a family member were traveling on separate motorcycles when the accident occurred, the statement said.

"Speed was a factor" in the accident, Yeaton said.

Deputy Kenneth Charles is the primary investigator and was assisted in the investigation by county Sgt. Steven Lowell and Maine State Police. Trooper Aaron Turcotte reconstructed the accident, Yeaton said.

The results of the reconstruction are pending.

A medical examiner was expected to determine the cause of death Wednesday, Yeaton said.

Tooker's body was taken to the Adams-McFarlane Funeral and Cremation Services in Farmington, the lieutenant said.