IRWIN TWP, Venango County — A 23-year-old Butler County man was killed early this morning when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on Route 8 less than one mile north of the Butler County line, authorities said.

Scott M. Baughman of Slippery Rock was southbound about 12:30 a.m. when he hit an embankment, throwing him off his cycle just south of Barkeyville.

Baughman, who was riding with two friends, landed in a yard where the homeowner found him. Moments later, his friends rode upon the wreck, said Chief Gerry Rea of the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department.

Venango County Coroner Tyler Best pronounced Baughman dead at the scene at 1:36 a.m. He died of severe injuries to his neck and chest. No autopsy was planned.

State police are investigating but an accident report was not available this morning.

Authorities believe Baughman, who was wearing a helmet, was going too fast around a bend when he went off the road. The road conditions were dry and the weather was clear, Rea said.

Alcohol was not a suspected factor, said Best.

The Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department and Superior Ambulance also were called to assist.

The wreck closed the road for about two hours to allow for the police accident investigation.