A Southern Pines man died Saturday in Hoke County in a motorcycle accident.

Murdock Wayne Thomas, 41, died when his motorcycle crashed into a cemetery off the side of the road, according to the State Highway Patrol. No other vehicles were involved. The accident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Reservation Road.

The Highway Patrol has yet to complete the accident report but said it appeared that speed was the cause. According to the investigating trooper, Thomas was going 70 mph, crossed the centerline and ran off the left side of the road.

He was ejected from the vehicle and damaged several tombstones at Ashley Heights Baptist Church cemetery. The trooper estimated the damage to the memorials was about $8,000.

Contact Matthew Moriarty at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.