Updated Nov. 22: Revised throughout to include additional details.

An Allen motorcyclist died Tuesday afternoon after cutting into an HOV lane on Central Expressway in Plano and setting off a seven-vehicle accident that shut down the highway for about three hours.

The crash occurred just before 2 p.m. in the 3900 block of northbound Central Expressway, near Parker Road.

Police said the motorcyclist illegally cut into the HOV lane to avoid slow traffic and was struck by a vehicle.

The crash occurred just before 2 p.m. in the 3900 block of northbound Central Expressway, near Parker Road. (Kyle Martin / Staff)

That crash set off a series of collisions involving the 2014 Kawasaki motorcycle, two pickups, two sedans, an SUV and a Jeep.

The motorcyclist, identified as 56-year-old Randal Earl Sexton of Allen, was thrown from his bike and died at the scene. Police said he was wearing his helmet but that it came off during the crash.

No other serious injuries were reported.

Drivers were diverted off the highway at Parker Road until the accident was cleared shortly after 5 p.m.

Plano police continue to investigate the crash.