EMMALENA, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police are investigating a fatal crash that happened early Tuesday morning in Knott County.

Troopers say they were conducting a motorist assist around 12:11 a.m. along KY-80 near Sylvester Branch when a driver told them he had struck something in the roadway.

After searching the area, troopers found a minibike and its operator nearby.

According to investigators, 48-year-old Denzel Napier Jr., of Emmalena, was riding the minibike without lights or reflective markings when it was struck from behind by a 2018 Ford F-150 traveling in the same lane.

The Knott County Coroner pronounced Napier dead at the scene. Troopers say he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Napier was taken to Frankfort for an autopsy. The investigation remains ongoing.