A motorcyclist died from his injuries Wednesday afternoon after losing control on a curve of the Oakdale-Waterford Highway near Albers Road, being thrown from his bike and striking a branch of an almond tree.

The victim was riding northwest in a group of six to 10 motorcyclists at about 4:20 p.m. when he accelerated away from the group, said California Highway Patrol officer Chuck Leon.

Because he sped ahead, none of his fellow motorcyclists witnessed the accident, Leon said.

Where the highway turns due west, the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed and was unable to negotiate the curve. He rode from the asphalt onto the dirt shoulder, the motorcycle fell on its side, and he hit a bump and was thrown from the vehicle, Leon said.

The motorcyclist struck the branch of an almond tree and came to rest nearby.

Emergency medical services responded to the scene and began work on the victim; he was transported to Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale, where he was pronounced dead, Leon said.

The victim's identity was unavailable pending notification of family.