The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports that a collision with a deer killed a Madison County motorcyclist riding a Harley-Davidson early Sunday morning.

According to information released by ALEA, William R. Pruitt, 68, of New Hope “was critically injured when the 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle that he was operating struck a deer.” The collision took place shortly after midnight Sunday on Paint Rock Road, approximately four miles east of New Hope, in Madison County.

Pruitt was thrown from the motorcycle. He was taken to Huntsville Hospital, “where he succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.” Troopers are investigating the incident.