(KNZA)--A St. Joseph couple was killed in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning in Buchanan County, Missouri. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash happened just before 4:00 on Missouri Route 6 at 68th Road, about a mile east of St. Joseph. 

According to the Patrol, a 53-year-old St. Joseph man was riding a westbound Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle when he lost control while negotiating a curve. The motorcycle left the north side of the roadway, struck the ground, and then hit a steep embankment. 

The driver and his 47-year-old female passenger, also from St. Joseph, were both thrown from the motorcycle. They were pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Highway Patrol says both victims were wearing helmets. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of crash victims.