Police have released the name of the man who died following a motorcycle crash on State Highway 35 in the Bay of Plenty.

He was 45‑year‑old Steven Haskell.

The crash, near Ōpōtiki, was reported to police at 8.25pm Friday, December 19.

At the time of the crash, police a “motorcyclist was critically injured in the crash and tragically passed away a short time later”.

In a statement today, police extended their condolences, saying their thoughts were with Haskell’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash was ongoing.