Police name motorcyclist found dead after failing to return home

Mirel Roman. Photo / Facebook

The name of a motorcyclist who was found dead following a crash north of Auckland has been revealed as Mirel Roman, of Glenfield.

Mr Roman, 54, was found next to his motorbike at around 4.40pm yesterday on West Coast Road, Makarau.

An extensive search was launched after Mr Roman failed to return home from a recreational motorbike ride late on Saturday afternoon.

The search involved checking the route that he had taken on his journey, which covered an area from Glenfield to Mangawhai.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter assisted police and the crash scene was found to be a grass verge which couldn't be seen from the road.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust crew chief Herby Barnes said they were called to search for the missing motorcyclist and found him dead on arrival.

The Waitemata Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash, and their investigation will consider whether factors such as speed or weather conditions played a role in the crash.

The investigation will take several weeks to complete before any outcome is known, police said.