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

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

The Highway Patrol has yet to complete the accident report, but said that 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 off the vehicle. Several tombstones at Ashley Heights Baptist Church cemetery were damaged. The trooper said that $8,000 worth of damage was done to the memorials.

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