A motorcyclist who was speeding and driving a bike reported stolen earlier Wednesday died in a crash as a deputy attempted to stop the man, the sheriff said.

Neil Firm, 41, of Gulfport, died at the scene of massive blunt-force trauma, Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove said Thursday.

A patrol officer had noticed a motorcycle rider who was not wearing a helmet speeding on Mississippi 53, Sheriff Troy Peterson said.

Deputy Ray Wescovich turned around and tried to stop the motorcycle, but as he was closing in, the driver crashed, he said.