TOPSFIELD — For as long as his friends can remember, Martin Johnson loved bikes.
Early yesterday morning, Johnson, 22, apparently lost control of his motorcycle on Washington Street in Topsfield.
"He slammed into a clump of trees," police Chief Evan Haglund said. Johnson sustained a catastrophic injury, dying later at Beverly Hospital.
Speed may have been a factor in the crash. No other vehicle was said to be involved.
"The accident is still under investigation," Haglund said. Topsfield officers are working jointly with the state police reconstruction unit. No witnesses have stepped forward.
"That's why it's going to take a long time to investigate," said Haglund, who expressed confidence that evidence at the scene will eventually reveal the cause. "The initial investigation indicates that excessive speed was involved."
Skid marks on the road indicate the site of the crash, which occurred around 1:15 a.m. in front of 112 Washington St. Police have yet to determine if the road was wet or dry when it happened.
A wave of grief quickly engulfed Johnson's friends, a circle of North Shore Tech graduates. Johnson studied collision repair at the school. Messages of comfort were passed back and forth on the Internet.
"Word spread fast," said Arlene Johnson, no relation to the victim. "He was a really good kid. A great personality. He was there for you."
Except for some online exchanges, Arlene Johnson hadn't seen Martin Johnson in months.
"I'm feeling so bad about that now," she said. "You've got to contact people and say hi." Martin's MySpace page reflected his love of bikes, she said. "And now," her voice faded, "it's ended up that that's what kill you."
Also on the page, she said, was a sadly ironic song — "There Goes My Life."
Liz Dodge, a former schoolmate who works for The Salem News, agreed that motorcycles were an important part of Johnson's life as early as high school.
"And outdoor sports," she said. "He was into four-wheeling, snowmobiling, trucks."
She recalled the Valentine's Day at school when Johnson brought in teddy bears and candy for all his unattached female friends. "Just to make them feel better," she said. "... He was a guy who always cared about everybody. His friends were No. 1. He'd do anything for you."
Pausing, she decided that Johnson likely never had an enemy in his life. "He'll be missed."
No members of Johnson's family could be reached last night.
Topsfield Patrolmen Jack Hayward and Steve Weir responded to the accident, along with the Fire Department and emergency and medical technicians.
