Police say that the Niles man, who died in a motorcycle crash over the weekend, was trying to avoid a cat that ran into the road.

The crash happened on 17th Street shortly before 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sep. 8.

Kenneth Ray of Niles was driving the bike with an unidentified passenger. Police say that a cat had run onto the road and Ray attempted to avoid it but lost control of his bike.

Ray died at the scene, and the passenger was treated and released from the hospital.

Police say helmets were not being worn at the time of the crash.

The community is mourning the loss of Reserve Sergeant Kenny Ray, who passed away yesterday after a motorcycle accident. Sgt. Ray served the City of Niles for 24 years, and will be missed dearly.

I send my… https://t.co/pM9CyuYcle

— Nick Shelton (@MayorShelton) September 9, 2019