Number of fatal motorcycle crashes in Larimer County trending up from last year

Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Updated ·2 min read
2
Emergency vehicles

Update: Oct. 24: The Larimer County Coroner's Office identified the deceased motorcyclist as 19-year-old Paul von Bendrick of Loveland, who died of multiple blunt force injuries.

Original story

A motorcyclist died from injuries sustained in a crash with another vehicle in Loveland, marking Larimer County's 10th motorcycle death this year.

Last year at this time, the county had seen eight fatal motorcycle crashes on its way to 11 motorcycle fatalities on the year, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Statewide, there have been 106 motorcycle fatalities as of Sept. 16, compared to 122 during last year's record 149 fatalities.

The recent Loveland crash happened at 10 p.m. Sept. 16 at the intersection of South Taft Avenue and Carlisle Drive in south Loveland, according to a Loveland police news release sent Sept. 18.

The crash was the third fatal motorcycle crash in the city this year. There also have been four motorcycle fatalities in Fort Collins and three in county outside of city limits, according to previous Coloradoan reporting.

Previous coverage: Here's what's behind Larimer County's recent rash of fatal motorcycle crashes

The preliminary investigation into the Sept. 16 crash indicates the motorcycle was traveling southbound on South Taft Avenue and struck the rear passenger quarter panel of the vehicle as the vehicle was turning west onto Carlisle Drive, according to police.

Bystanders were performing CPR on the 19-year-old motorcycle driver when officers arrived, but he was later pronounced dead at an area hospital. His name has not been released.

The 41-year-old female driver of the vehicle remained on scene and was not injured in the crash, according to police.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the Loveland Police Department tip line at 970-962-2032.

What motorcyclists and motorists can do to reduce motorcycle crashes

Motorcyclists

  • Obey speed limits.

  • Do not drive impaired.

  • Pay particular attention at intersections for turning vehicles.

  • Wear a helmet.

Vehicle motorists

  • Always check blind spots for motorcycles.

  • Always look twice when pulling onto a roadway.

  • Avoid distractions such as your phone.

  • Never follow motorcycles too closely.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Larimer County has seen 10 fatal motorcycle crashes this year