SAN JOSE (KRON) — A San Jose police motorcycle officer has died in a crash on Tuesday afternoon, according to Sgt. Enrique Garcia.

The officer who died has been identified as 34-year-old Officer Mike Katherman.

A car hit the officer, who was in critical condition but died at the hospital, police said. It happened at North 10 Street and Horning Street at around 4:22 p.m., police said.

Police said Katherman was in full uniform, riding his motorcycle north on North 10 Street.

The driver in a silver minivan was going south on North 10 Street when he tried to make a left turn onto eastbound Horning Street, police said.

That is when the crash happened.

The driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with police, Garcia said. A front bumper of the silver minivan fell off.

A witness tried to help Officer Katherman and used his radio to call for help, police said.

The officer was rushed to Regional Medical Center where he died a short time later.

“It’s with great sadness that I inform you all that this community has lost an officer in the line of duty,” San Jose police Chf. Eddie Garcia said.

Katherman leaves behind a wife and two kids. He is an 11-year veteran on the force, police said.

“He loves his wife, loves his family, tragic…put his uniform on, wanted to see his family when he got off,” Chf. Garcia said.

No indication of drugs or alcohol played a role, police said.

Mayor Sam Liccardo has issued the following statement on the death of Officer Katherman.

“Heroes lift us all through their sacrifice, compelling us to be our best through their example. Mike Katherman was that hero, performing his noble duty to serve and protect until his last moments. I ask our residents to join in sending our prayers and thoughts to Mike’s wife, his sons, his family and friends, and the entire SJPD family during this time of grief.”

No other details have been released by police.

Stay with KRON for updates on this breaking news story on-air, online, and on the KRON4 app.

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