A San Jose motorcycle officer died after being struck by a minivan late Tuesday afternoon, police said.

San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia said Tuesday evening Officer Michael Katherman, 34, an 11-year-veteran of the force, died after the accident that occurred in the area of 10th and Horning streets at 4:22 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the officer stayed at the scene, and the officer was transported to Regional Medical Center in San Jose, where he was pronounced dead.

"It's tragic," Garcia said. "He put his uniform on this morning and left to go to work and wanted to see his family when he got home. He didn't make it."

Garcia said a preliminary investigation showed that Katherman was riding northbound on 10th Street when the male driver of a silver-colored minivan driving southbound on 10th Street attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound Horning Street, and the two vehicles collided.

A witness provided first aid to Katherman and used the officer's radio to call for help, Garcia said. When officers and paramedics arrived minutes later, they continued life-saving efforts, he said.

The scene was still blocked off late Tuesday night as the investigation into the crash continued.

Garcia said Katherman "loved doing his job" and "loved his family." Katherman leaves behind two children, the chief said.

The San Jose Police Department tweeted a message a little after 10 p.m. Tuesday: "Today we lost a brother officer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family and friends. Rest in peace Officer Katherman."

Several other agencies from around the Bay Area and beyond followed suit on Twitter with condolences to the SJPD family and the officer's family.

The last San Jose officer to die in the line of duty was Michael Johnson in March 2015. Johnson was shot to death while on a welfare check.

It is not known yet whether drugs or alcohol played a role in Tuesday's crash.

Funeral arrangements for Katherman will be announced later this week, Garcia said.[[383069551, C]]