A motorcyclist was killed and several other people were injured in a crash that shut down Veterans Memorial Highway near MacArthur Airport for several hours today.

Authorities say the crash involved five vehicles, including a motorcycle, a minivan, a larger van and a car. The crash happened just after 7 a.m. when a driver who was allegedly high on drugs ran a red light and struck a motorcyclist with his Chevrolet Express van. The van then struck three other vehicles, police say.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore. He has been identified as 44-year-old Christopher White, of Medford.

Other people who were involved in the crash suffered injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening, authorities say.

The allegedly high driver has been identified as 55-year-old Paul Porrini, of Selden. Police say Porrini is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs.

White, the motorcyclist who was killed, was a member of Boots on the Ground, a veterans support group that provides escorts and other services for veterans. Prior to the crash, White had participated in an "Honor Flight Escort" for a group of WWII veterans who were flying from Islip Macarthur Airport to Washington D.C.