A Meriden man was flown by air ambulance Sunday night to Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., after he crashed his motorcycle on U.S. Highway 24-59 near Midland Junction.

James G. Malloy, 49, initially was listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers said Malloy wasn’t wearing his helmet when he lost control of his motorcycle, hit a road sign and landed in a ditch 40 feet away.

The 1986 Harley-Davidson came to rest near the intersection of Midland Road, across the road from the Midland Farm Store north of Lawrence.

The highway patrol said a passing motorist called 911 at 6:23 p.m. after seeing Malloy in the ditch. The motorist waited and spoke with Malloy, who was still conscious at the time, until assistance arrived.

Troopers did not suspect any other vehicles were involved with the wreck, and they continue to investigate whether alcohol was a factor.