A Sparta man lost his life last weekend, when he hit a car in Sparta Township with his motorcycle.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, the accident occurred Friday, July 4, at about 6:18 p.m. Police said that according to a witness, Eric Vanslyke, 44, of Sparta, was traveling westbound on 13 Mile, west of Fruit Ridge, at a high rate of speed, when he struck a 2004 Buick that was attempting to back into a driveway, on the south side of 13 Mile.

Neither the driver of the Buick, Andrew Sorensen, 82, of Ravenna, nor his passenger, Norma Sorensen, 85, of Ravenna, were injured.

Vanslyke suffered fatal injuries due to the crash.

Police believe that speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in the accident.

According to his obituary, Vanslyke was a 1989 graduate of Comstock Park High School, worked at Storage Control Systems and was passionate about his involvement in Dirt Modified Racing. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 9.