LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (KABC) -- A California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer was killed after being hit by a vehicle on the 15 Freeway in Lake Elsinore Saturday.

The officer was hit by a sedan near Nichols Road at about 4:30 p.m. and airlifted to a hospital, prompting a closure of the southbound lanes.

The officer killed was identified by CHP in a social media post as Sgt. Steve Licon.

"Our hearts are heavy after the immeasurable loss of a friend, father, husband, and hero," the social media post said.

The southbound lanes of the freeway were fully closed from Indian Truck Trail to Nichols Road due to a police investigation, Caltrans said. One alternative route is the 91 east to the 215 south, connecting back with I-15 in Murrieta.

Injuries sustained by the driver in the sedan were not immediately known.

