A motorcyclist died in a crash that closed Interstate 40 East west of downtown Knoxville.

The crash was reported around 8 p.m. near the I-640/I-75 ramp west of downtown at mile marker 385.

According to the Knoxville Police Department, a motorcycle went off I-40 and hit a rail at mile marker 385. Police said the female driver was thrown from the bike and died at the scene.

Police said it's unclear why the motorcycle went off the road.

"KPD crash reconstruction investigators responded to the scene and are leading the investigation into the crash. The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time," KPD said.

Traffic was backed up past Papermill Drive and Weisgarber Road into the West Hills area as emergency crews responded. Officers were able to redirect traffic around the cras

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