Woman dies after being thrown off motorcycle during crash on Katy Freeway, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A woman was killed overnight when authorities said she was thrown off her motorcycle during a crash.

The crash happened just after midnight on Thursday.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the woman was driving a motorcycle at a high rate of speed on the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway when she was nearing the Grand Parkway and hit the back of an 18-wheeler.

Deputies said the woman was thrown off her motorcycle during the crash, and while she was wearing protective gear, it "didn't help." Authorities said the woman did not show signs of intoxication, and the driver of the 18-wheeler was OK.

The crash closed the highway for a couple of hours, but crews cleared it by the morning rush.