A memorial service for the motorcyclist who died as a result of a New Year’s Eve crash on U.S. 15 is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday at Elias Lutheran Church in Emmitsburg, according to his ex-wife.

Maryland State Police identified the man as 39-year-old Lewis Thomas Legg Jr. of Woodsboro.

Cynthia Legg of Emmitsburg said her ex-husband worked for Southern States.

He had two children, a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son, she said.

“He was a really good dad. His kids were his pride and joy,” Legg said. He loved spending time with them and riding his motorcycle, she said.

According to police, Legg was traveling north on U.S. 15 when he lost control near the Hayward Road intersection at about 5:45 p.m. He slid across both lanes and into the grass median, was thrown from the motorcycle and hit a metal guardrail, police said.

Legg suffered head injuries and was flown to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore by state police helicopter. Police said the helmet Legg was wearing was not approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In lieu of flowers, Cynthia Legg said contributions can be made in his honor to the Snell Memorial Foundation, a not-for-profit organization related to testing and developing helmet safety standards.

— Courtney Pomeroy