PERRY TWP, Lawrence County — A 51-year-old man died after suffering a heart condition Friday night and crashing his motorcycle in southeastern Lawrence County, authorities said.

Gerald “Jerry” D. Boots of Fombell, Beaver County, lost control of the 1981 Honda Goldwing about 7:25 p.m. and struck a utility pole along Route 488 just north of Slippery Rock Township.

Boots was taken by ambulance to Ellwood City Hospital where he was pronounced dead of injuries to his head and body.

A 14-year-old girl, also of Fombell, who was riding on the back of the cycle, suffered minor injuries and was treated at Ellwood City Hospital and released, state police said.

An autopsy determined that Boots had suffered heart arrhythmia, which caused the accident, according to investigators.

Boots apparently lost consciousness due to the medical emergency while northbound on Route 488 just south of Hickernell Road. The cycle swerved across the southbound lane and went off the road, hitting the utility pole.

The girl was thrown off the motorcycle, which continued down an embankment, police said. Boots and the vehicle ended facing north on the west side of Route 488.

Wurtemburg and Wayne Township volunteer firefighters assisted at the scene.

The Joseph A. Tomon Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory in Ellwood City is handling funeral arrangements.